Figure skating's quadruple axel, a feat of 4.5 rotations in the air, is making headlines thanks to U.S. men's champion Ilia Malinin, while the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are framed as a pivotal moment for global reflection, according to multiple news sources. Simultaneously, the sports world grapples with issues of athlete welfare, privacy, and evolving controversies, including a WADA investigation into alleged doping.
The quadruple axel, a jump that involves an extra half rotation, is particularly challenging. As Time reported, "Any axel jump…actually involves an extra half rotation." This means that Malinin performs 4.5 revolutions in the air between taking off and landing. Learning the axel starts with the waltz jump, a simple leap that teaches the half turn.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy are viewed as a significant event. George Papandreou, in an opinion piece, emphasized the Games' historical roots in peace and shared humanity, urging a deeper consideration of their significance amidst current global challenges, according to Euronews.
Beyond the ice rink, the sports world faces other challenges. The upcoming Olympics, the precision-dependent sport of luge, and the exposure of resistance to the MeToo movement are all topics of discussion, according to Time. Financial struggles of Olympians and a Senate bill addressing biometric surveillance also highlight issues of athlete welfare and privacy.
In cross-country skiing, Jessie Diggins, America's most decorated athlete in the sport, is preparing for her fourth and final Olympics, aiming for the U.S.'s first individual gold medal, according to multiple news sources. Diggins, known for her "pain cave" mentality, boasts numerous victories, including three overall crystal globes and a historic individual gold at the 2023 World Championships. She will compete in both sprint and distance races.
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