Soo Line: Live, from Milan-Cortina! It’s the OOOOOLYMPICS!

by Soo Greiman  

It’s wonderful to be a cushion-loving couch potato right now because — live, from  Milan-Cortina, Italy — it’s the Winter Olympics! The competition has not disappointed one bit,  with thrilling finishes, celebrations of the human spirit, togetherness and excellence. I hope  you’ve been like me, glued to the TV for the past week and plan to stay that way until Feb. 22  when the closing ceremony is held.  

I can’t resist watching as scenes unfold in three fascinating areas I love: heart-breaking  contests, unbelievable displays of athletic ability and the amazing foods served at the three  Olympic Village sites. It truly is the greatest show on earth for a few short weeks and continues  to bring the world together. Of course, they’re best watched live — which makes you feel  connected to every triumph and tumble.  

Some heart-breaking scenes:  

Ilia Malinin — we all felt sorry for him. After falling twice in the men’s free skate program  on Valentine’s Day, Malinin finished eighth. He had been projected to win after earning gold  earlier in the week. Maybe it was the pressure of his nickname, “The Quad God,” or maybe it  was simply an off night. Whatever the reason, watching him struggle was difficult for fans who  had expected another golden performance.  

Lindsey Vonn’s incredible comeback at the 2026 Winter Olympics came to a sudden  end when she crashed in the women’s downhill and suffered a serious leg injury that required  her to be airlifted off the course. Days later, Vonn posted a video thanking fans for their support  — including the flowers and stuffed animals she received — as she prepared for yet another  surgery. The resilience of these athletes never ceases to amaze.  

Amazing athletic ability on display:  

Jordan Stolz — the 21-year-old from Wisconsin — simply could not be stopped. The  U.S. speed skater captured gold in the 1,000 meters, setting an Olympic record. He followed  that performance with another record in the 500 meters and his second gold medal. Hard to  believe his journey began skating on a frozen pond in his family’s Wisconsin backyard.  

Jessie Diggins, the most decorated cross-country skier in U.S. history, is competing in  her fourth and final Olympics. The Afton, Minnesota native continues to inspire with both grit  and grace.  

Fantastic foods in the Villages:  

Set up cafeteria-style, the three main dining halls operate 24/7. According to Olympic  reports, roughly 10,800 meals are prepared daily at each site, with chefs rotating around the  clock. Pizza and pasta are favorites, ensuring athletes meet their carb goals. And desserts?  Chocolate lava cakes, tiramisu and gelato are reportedly served by the thousands.  

One more favorite of mine: even on the world’s biggest stage, shared moments are  gold.  

Alpine skiers Sarah Schlepper and her 18-year-old son, Lasse Gaxiola, are becoming  the first mother and son to compete in the same Winter Olympics. Schlepper’s Olympic journey  began in 1998. Born in Colorado, she later became a Mexican citizen and has represented  Team Mexico in the past two Winter Games — and again in 2026. This time, however, she  won’t be racing alone.  

Lasse is making his Olympic debut alongside his mom, with the two competing as  Mexico’s only alpine skiers. Together, they share something bigger than medals — a rare blend  of family and legacy on the Olympic stage. For this mother and son, they aren’t just making  history. They’re sharing it. 

I haven’t always felt this strongly about watching the Olympics, but it’s 2026 and we  have plenty of reasons to pay attention to stories from around the world. Stories of struggle  and strength. Of overcoming injury and hardship. Of fighting back, fighting through and finding  redemption. So many athletes carry deeply human stories about fulfilling lifelong dreams and  reaching emotional finish lines. I hope you get into those stories like I do.  

Because the Winter Olympics happen only once every four years, it will be 2030 before  they return — next time in the French Alps.  

The Summer Olympics in 2028? Those will be in Los Angeles, July 14-30.  While that may seem a ways off, don’t be surprised if Hudson has a reason to tune in  with extra enthusiasm. One of our own — Kylie DeBerg — is pursuing her dream of competing  for Team USA in beach volleyball. As recent photos show, she continues to train and compete  at a high level, focused on that goal. And if she makes that Olympic roster, you can bet this  small town will be glued to the screen all over again — cheering for one of our own.