The Wild and Weird at the 2026 Olympics

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A snowboarder in the air with mountains in the background.Gabriela Bhaskar/The New York Times

The Olympics bring triumph and heartbreak. And weirdness — so much weirdness. What do you know about some of the more unexpected episodes at the 2026 Winter Games in Italy?

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A biathlete from Norway, Sturla Holm Laegreid, made a surprise confession after winning a bronze medal. What did he say he had done?

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In which sport did Sweden accuse Canada of illegal touching?

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Olympic mascot in a furry costume.Doug Mills/The New York Times

What sort of animal is the Olympic mascot, Tina?

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Why was a skeleton sledder from Ukraine told he must change his equipment?

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An Italian gold medal-winning speedskater with the first name Francesca is a relative of what famous actress?

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What good thing happened to the American skier Breezy Johnson shortly after the super-G race?

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What social media star is the fiancé of Jutta Leerdam, the gold medal-winning speedskater from the Netherlands?

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A man soaring through the air on skis at night.Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Ski jumpers have been known to do what to their uniforms so they can fly farther?

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What did Atle Lie McGrath of Norway do after a disappointing slalom run?

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What was wrong with the medals?

Three women athletes with Olympic medals.James Hill for The New York Times
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