The 2022 Winter Olympics ended just a few weeks ago and the United States performed like they did in the 2018 winter games.
This year’s games were hosted in Beijing, making it the second time the city has hosted the Olympics in the past 15 years. Although the ratings for the games were incredibly low, it was still an incredible event to watch. The opening ceremony was controversial, and the fact that Beijing was the host city upset some, but the competition was still stellar.
Norway dominated the games, winning a total of 37 medals, five more than any other country. Additionally, Norway won 16 gold medals, which was four more than any other country. Norway dominated the biathlon events, winning six gold medals, two silver medals and another six bronze medals in that category of events. Johannes Thingnes Bo won three biathlon gold medals and one bronze for the strong Norway team in the men’s division. Marte Olsbu Roiseland won two gold medals and two bronze medals in the women’s division for the biathlon. The two competed together in the mixed relay and won an additional gold medal.
The Russian Olympic Committee athletes combined for a total of 32 medals, the second most total, but only had six golds. The country of Russia was banned from officially competing in the Olympics for four years after the doping scandal, hence the committee that was formed.
Germany had a strong showing at the games, bringing home a total of 27 medals, with 12 golds. The 12 gold medals made Germany second in total gold medals. The luge, skeleton and bobsled events were dominated by the Germans, as the events added up to 10 gold medals, six silver medals and one bronze medal.
The United States performed similarly to 2018, winning a total of 25 total medals and eight gold medals. This is two more total medals than 2018, but one less gold. Lindsey Jacobellis, a female snowboarder, won two golds for the US. She was the only American athlete to have more than one gold medal at this year’s games. The United States women’s national ice hockey team was close to earning a gold but had to settle for a silver, losing 3-2 to Canada in the gold medal game.
Canada, Sweden, Austria, Japan and Italy all performed well, as all of them won 17 total medals or more.
Now comes a long wait for fans of the Winter Olympics, as the next time it will occur is in 2026. The location has been chosen as Italy, specifically Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
