Ilia Malinin, the American figure skater dubbed the "Quad God," made headlines at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics for his history-making backflip, while Lindsey Vonn suffered a complex fracture during the downhill race, according to reports from NPR News and BREAKING: NPR News. The Games, which kicked off with a dusting of fresh snow in Cortina d'Ampezzo, also saw organizers producing over 56 million cubic feet of artificial snow to ensure optimal conditions for athletes, as reported by Time.
Malinin's performance in the team event, which included landing a backflip on a single blade, propelled Team USA to the top of the podium, according to NPR News. His skyward jumps have earned him the nickname "Quad God," but it was the backflip that captured everyone's attention. Vox reported that Malinin, 21, was the heavy favorite to win the gold medal for the United States.
However, the Games also brought a stark reminder of the inherent risks in high-speed sports. Lindsey Vonn sustained a complex tibia fracture during the Olympic downhill race, requiring multiple surgeries, according to BREAKING: NPR News. The incident has raised questions about athlete safety and the long-term impact of such injuries on professional careers.
The reliance on artificial snow at the Olympics highlights the impact of climate change. According to Time, organizers have produced vast amounts of fake snow to create the conditions athletes expect. This practice is becoming more widespread as winters become warmer. Around 60% of the world's ski resorts now rely on snowmaking machines alongside natural snowfall.
In other news, Michael Douglas revealed that the director of "Wall Street" once asked him if he was "doing drugs" because he "looked like [he'd] never acted before in [his] life," according to Variety. Douglas went on to win an Oscar for his performance in the film.
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