The Winter Olympics a massive success?

The 2026 Winter Olympics were the most watched edition of the games in its history with the BBC receiving 83 million streams from people tuning in and watching. But why the

popularity? 

Having the winter games held in Italy in both Milan and Cortina D'Ampezzo making it the first game co-hosted by two cities. 

The Olympics being held in Italy made it more likely for viewership across Europe and the US. 

Social media played a huge part with fans of the games creating tik toks, reels and giving their opinions on the different events. 

It broadened the audience and made more people interested. There was drama and success stories to be shared. 

A lot came from the sport of curling. Predominantly most people knew absolutely nothing about the sport. But after a Canada versus Sweden match the Canadian side was accused of cheating and everyone became experts. 

Canadian curler Marc Kennedy shouted at the Swedish side after they accused him of double tapping the curling stone. He first let go of the handle and then used his finger making contact with the granite. This is called double-touching and there are now hundreds of videos all over the internet of the cheating taking place and explainers of the sport. 

Not to mention the next day Rachel Homan, Canadians women's captain, was accused of committing the same cheating allegation. 

Even more drama took the internet by storm when Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid confessed to cheating on his partner after winning the bronze 20km individual race in a post race interview. 

As the events rolled out figure skating was at the top of the US list with Alysa Liu coming back to skate for her country. Liu won the gold medal which is the first title Team USA has won in 24 years of the games. 

She had retired at the age of 16 as she had lost the love for her sport and wanted to do things on her own terms and take breaks. Which paid off as she came back at 20 years old winning an Olympic medal for the US. 

This year we saw talent and sportsmanship too in the mixed relay biathlon with a skier accidentally going on top of someone's pole and the skier losing it. Instead of using the advantage the skier gave his pole to the other.

All the stories and drama makes the Olympics games, even the person watching makes the games better. Seeing and exploring the drama, events and excitement. 

What was your favourite moment? Let us know in the comments.