Winter Youth Olympics in Full Swing in Gangneung, South Korea
Xinhua News Agency, Gangneung, South Korea, January 25th – On January 25, 1924, the first Winter Olympics, named the “International Winter Sports Week,” opened in Chamonix, France. Exactly one hundred years later, on January 25, 2024, the Gangwon Winter Youth Olympic Games was in full swing in Gangneung, South Korea.
Gangneung hosted the 4th Winter Youth Olympic Games and the opening ceremony saw International Olympic Committee President Bach taking a group photo with athletes at the Gangneung Speed Skating Stadium. The event was also held simultaneously at the Pyeongchang Dome Stadium in Gangwon Province, South Korea, marking the beginning of the Winter Youth Olympics.
The Winter Youth Olympics serves as a stage for young athletes to realize their dreams. With young athletes from across the world coming together, the event showcases the power of youth and their dreams.
British alpine skier Zach Carrick-Smith made history by winning gold medals in the men’s all-around and slalom events at the Winter Youth Olympic Games. His parents and older brother are also athletes from the country, making his victory a family affair. Smith expressed his excitement and determination to participate in the “big” Winter Olympics and continue training hard for the future.
Similarly, Chinese teenager Wang Ning showcased her determination to succeed in the alpine skiing event, expressing her belief that she will catch up to her competitors in the future.
The Winter Youth Olympics also saw athletes from unexpected countries excelling, with Brazilian boy Zien Betonico winning the first Winter Youth Olympic medal for his country in the snowboard slalom pursuit competition. His victory signifies the potential for winter sports in countries where snow is not commonplace.
Issa Laborde from Kenya participated in the men’s alpine skiing competition, marking the country’s representation at a winter sports event. Kenya looks to expand its sports horizons and hopes to achieve greater development in winter sports in the future.
The Winter Youth Olympic Games showcased innovative and experimental projects, such as the debut of ski mountaineering as an official event, as the event continues to evolve, becoming more fun, and offering a platform for athletes from various regions to shine.
The Winter Youth Olympics and its young athletes continue to demonstrate the spirit of the Olympic Games, and with the upcoming Milan Winter Olympics, the future of winter sports looks bright. The legend of the Winter Olympics is set to continue for generations to come.
(Source: Xinhua News Agency, Reporting by Lu Xingji; Additional Reporting by Zhao Jiantong, Wang Chunyan, Wei Hua, Xu Shihao, Sun Yiran)