It has been a busy weekend for Sochi 2014! Between the Opening Ceremony and the first medal events, it’s clear that the Winter Olympics are in full swing. If you missed out on the action or need a refresher on the highlights, then keep reading for Sochi Scoop’s weekend recap.
Russia puts on a dazzling show for the Opening Ceremony
Despite a few technical difficulties (like the malfunctioning fifth Olympic ring!), the Opening Ceremony dazzled and wowed the crowds. With a colorful stage and impressive choreography, the ceremony led its viewers through pivotal points of Russian history. There was a dance sequence based on War and Peace, fireworks and performers galore (more than 3,000!). Plus, the Russian police choir covered “Get Lucky,” and it was kind of hilarious. Check out this awesome video of the ceremony to see dancers and acrobats perform during a carnival scene. Russian President Vladimir Putin was in attendance and officially declared the start of the Games. Athletes paraded on stage as their countries’ maps were projected on the ground. Russian athletes Irina Rodnina and Vladislav Tretyak lit the Olympic flame.
First gold medal of Sochi 2014 goes to USA
The first gold medal of the 2014 Winter Olympics was awarded to American snowboarder Sage Kotsenburg on Saturday. Kotsenburg, 20, took the gold with a score of 93.5 in men’s snowboard slopestyle, a new Winter Olympic event. He tweeted his shock and excitement shortly after winning.
Poland wins gold in normal hill ski jumping
Kamil Stoch of Poland won the gold medal in men’s normal hill ski jumping on Sunday. Stoch, 26, had a final score of 278 points and traveled 103.5 meters during his final jump. Before Stoch, Poland hadn’t won a gold in ski jump in more than 40 years. Check out this video of Stoch’s winning run (ski jumping is definitely not for the faint of heart!).
Skiathlon isn’t easy
This just goes to show that the skiathlon event is not at all easy! The screenshot above was taken after the women’s skiathlon competition. In the event, athletes cross-country ski in the classical style for 7.5 kilometers, then they switch skis and finish a 7.5 kilometer freestyle run. Physically exhausted athletes immediately collapsed after crossing the finish line at the Laura Cross-country Ski & Biathlon Center. Isn’t it strange seeing all the competitors lay on the ground, completely beat, next to each other? Marit Bjoergen of Norway won gold in the women’s skiathlon event. This is Marit’s fourth Olympics and her fourth gold medal.
Canadian sisters win gold and silver
It was a family affair for the Dufour-Lapointes! Standing on the podium together, Canadian sisters Justine and Chloe Dufour-Lapointe held hands after placing in the women’s mogul event. On Saturday night, Justine, 19, took gold, while her sister Chloe, 22, was awarded the silver medal. Their older sister, Maxime, was also competeing in the event and made into the top 12. The bronze medal went to Hannah Kearney of the USA.
USA’s Jamie Anderson wins gold during inaugural event
When Her Campus interviewed Jamie Anderson in November we predicted that she’d be a big name at Sochi 2014, and it turns out we were right! Anderson won gold on Sunday for her performance during the women’s snowboard slopestyle event. Her second run earned a score of 95.25! Jamie’s family was in attendance at the Rosa Khutor Extreme Park. After finding out that she won the gold, they happily cheered and celebrated.
Julia Lipnitskaya becomes a Sochi sweetheart, wins gold
At just 15 years old, Julia Lipnitskaya is Russia’s youngest athlete to ever win gold at a Winter Olympics. On Sunday she took the gold medal for the team figure skating event with her skating partner, Yevgeny Plushenko. She received a standing ovation for her performance, and Putin congratulated her afterwards. It’s no doubt that the girl can skate, not to mention that her spins are crazy impressive! Watch this video of Julia’s performance from Saturday and prepare to be amazed. We’ll have to see if she wins a gold for herself in the individual competition!
American ice skater is not happy with her scores
London 2012’s McKayla Maroney isn’t the only unimpressed Olympic athlete. Figure skater Ashley Wagner, 22, didn’t seem too pleased with her score in the figure skating event on Saturday. The American’s excitement quickly turned to disbelief when she was awarded a score of 63.10. Wagner finished the event in fourth place. Maybe her priceless reaction will become the newest Olympic meme?
Johnny Quinn busts through his jammed bathroom door
…With no phone to call for help, I used my bobsled push training to break out. #SochiJailBreak pic.twitter.com/apZRefgvCO
— Johnny Quinn (@JohnnyQuinnUSA) February 8, 2014
Former NFL player and US bobsledder Johnny Quinn busted through his bathroom door once he realized he was stuck inside. Quinn noticed that the door was jammed after he got out of the shower. Without a cell phone to call for help, he started banging on the bathroom door and walls in an attempt to get someone’s attention, but no one was coming to help. Frustrated, he decided to use his bobsledding strength to break through the door. Either Quinn has a lot of muscle or Sochi didn’t construct sturdy enough doors!
Team Great Britain wins medal for the first time on snow
Team Great Britan’s Jenny Jones won the bronze medal on Sunday for the women’s snowboard slopestyle event at Rosa Khutor Extreme Park. Jones, 33, didn’t start snowboarding until she was 17 years old. During the new event, she ended her second run with a score of 87.25. She’s the first from Team GB to win a medal on snow. This is a big win for Team GB; in fact, BBC commentators cried after her final run!
Medal count as of Monday morning: top five countries
- Canada: two gold, two silver, one bronze = five total
- Norway: two gold, one silver, four bronze = seven total
- Netherlands: two gold, one silver, one bronze = four total
- United States: two gold, zero silver, three bronze = five total
- Germany: two gold, zero silver, zero bronze = two total
To see a full list of the medal count, click here.
What was your favorite moment from the weekend? What event are you most excited about next? Let us know in the comments and then come back tomorrow for another Sochi Scoop recap!