{"id":65631,"date":"2026-02-24T06:30:44","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T11:30:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/?p=65631"},"modified":"2026-02-24T06:57:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T11:57:33","slug":"american-olympians-taught-us-a-lot-over-the-past-two-weeks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/american-olympians-taught-us-a-lot-over-the-past-two-weeks\/","title":{"rendered":"American Olympians Taught Us a Lot Over the Past Two Weeks"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}<\/style><p>The Winter Olympics once again delivered a spectacle of speed, nerve, and scrutiny in Milano Cortina. There were heartbreaks and heroics, judging controversies, redemption arcs, and enough storylines to fuel debate long after the closing ceremony.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>It was a tournament where Madison Chock and Evan Bates missed out on ice dance gold after a judging decision that sparked fierce debate among fans and commentators. Then, there was the Norwegian cross-country skiing rockstar scaling sharp inclines like they were downhill. Curling, too, was rocked by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/2026\/feb\/12\/french-ice-dancing-controversy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cheating claims<\/a> that spilled well beyond the sheets.<\/p>\n<p>In the aftermath, America&rsquo;s heroes reflected on their Games, teaching us some valuable lessons. What did our stars of the ice and snow discover about themselves and their sport this past week?<\/p>\n<p><em>Note: Most<\/em><em> images are from the 2026 Olympics due to copyright concerns.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Alysia Liu Finds Her Passion Again<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_65541\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-65541\" class=\"wp-image-65541 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8.png\" alt=\"Alysa Lui\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8.png 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8-1200x675.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8-728x410.png 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8-480x270.png 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8-320x180.png 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8-960x540.png 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8-1080x608.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-65541\" class=\"wp-image-65541 size-full eager-load\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201280%20720'%3E%3Crect%20width='1280'%20height='720'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Alysa Lui\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8.png 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8-1200x675.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8-728x410.png 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8-480x270.png 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8-320x180.png 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8-960x540.png 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8-1080x608.png 1080w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-65541\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit: Jaybeeinbigd22, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p><\/div>\n<p>After walking away from skating due to burnout, 20-year-old Alysa Liu returned to claim Olympic gold in women&rsquo;s figure skating, winning the first U.S. gold in 24 years. Her comeback wasn&rsquo;t only about medals but rekindling joy in the sport she once loved and lost at such a young age.<\/p>\n<p>Liu stunned the skating world in 2022 when she retired at just 16 following the Beijing Games. Two years later, she returned to train for the Olympics once again. She delivered a storybook return in Italy with a dazzling free skate. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m just really grateful for it all, the good and the bad,&rdquo; the gold medalist told <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/alysa-liu-wins-gold-at-2026-winter-olympics-11910051\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">People<\/a> Magazine. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s what shaped me, and I would not change a thing. I want to keep growing. I just want to keep experiencing new things.&rdquo;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Ilia Malinin Shows Grace<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_65733\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-65733\" class=\"size-full wp-image-65733\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675.jpg\" alt=\"Montpellier, FRANCE - 24th march 2022: Ilia MALININ (USA) performs men short program at World Figure Skating Championship Montpellier 2022\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-65733\" class=\"size-full wp-image-65733 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675.jpg\" alt=\"Montpellier, FRANCE - 24th march 2022: Ilia MALININ (USA) performs men short program at World Figure Skating Championship Montpellier 2022\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2140695675.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-65733\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit: Diego Barbieri at Shutterstock.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>After an unexpected eighth-place finish in the men&rsquo;s Olympic event, Ilia Malinin used the figure skating exhibition gala to reflect and uplift others. His <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=qscNJ90ek1M\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">emotional performance<\/a> showed resilience, turning a competitive disappointment into a celebration of growth, vulnerability, and encouragement for teammates.<\/p>\n<p>The favorite entering the Games, Malinin, is nicknamed the &ldquo;Quad God&rdquo; by fans. Following his disappointing finish and subsequent role as Team USA cheerleader, he was upbeat (after the initial shock). &ldquo;We&rsquo;re all human beings; we&rsquo;re not trained out there to be robots,&rdquo; he told <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/video\/ilia-malinin-reflects-olympic-journey-future\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CBS News.<\/a> Malinin showed that failure teaches us a lot more than winning; he is already planning a return to competing in the upcoming World Championships.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Jessie Diggins Bows Out with Pride<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_65734\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-65734\" class=\"size-full wp-image-65734\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA.jpg\" alt=\"FIS Nordic World Ski Championships Seefeld 2019 - Ladies 30km Mass Start Free. Picture shows Therese Johaug (NOR), Ebba Andersson (SWE), Jessica Diggins (USA).\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-65734\" class=\"size-full wp-image-65734 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA.jpg\" alt=\"FIS Nordic World Ski Championships Seefeld 2019 - Ladies 30km Mass Start Free. Picture shows Therese Johaug (NOR), Ebba Andersson (SWE), Jessica Diggins (USA).\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FIS-Nordic-World-Ski-Championships-Seefeld-2019-Ladies-30km-Mass-Start-Free.-Picture-shows-Therese-Johaug-NOR-Ebba-Andersson-SWE-Jessica-Diggins-USA.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-65734\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit: Granada &ndash; Own work &ndash; CC BY-SA 4.0\/Wiki Commons.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Cross-country legend Jessie Diggins finished 5th in the 50 km classic at her final Olympics, capping a career that reshaped U.S. skiing. Her toughness through pain and pursuit of excellence served as a model of grit, even without a final podium medal. (Although she did get 3rd place in the 10k a few days before!)<\/p>\n<p>For 15 years, Diggins was a trailblazer in U.S. cross-country skiing, redefining what American endurance athletes could achieve on the global stage.<\/p>\n<p>Sadly for the 34-year-old, it wasn&rsquo;t quite enough this year. &ldquo;I was just full of gratitude and joy and love, and I was super proud of getting everything out of my body,&rdquo; she told the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olympics.com\/en\/milano-cortina-2026\/news\/jessie-diggins-ends-her-olympic-career-after-a-trailblazing-journey-that-redefined-u-s-cross-country-skiing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Olympics<\/a> press department. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m really happy with how I&rsquo;m leaving it because it was an amazing last Olympics.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<h2>Amber Glenn Steals American Hearts<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_65735\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-65735\" class=\"size-full wp-image-65735\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247.jpg\" alt=\"USA Amber Glenn Watanabe performs free program at Lombardia Trophy at Ice Lab, Bergamo, Italy - 14th sep 2024\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-65735\" class=\"size-full wp-image-65735 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247.jpg\" alt=\"USA Amber Glenn Watanabe performs free program at Lombardia Trophy at Ice Lab, Bergamo, Italy - 14th sep 2024\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2517163247.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-65735\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit: Diego Barbieri at Shutterstock.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Amber Glenn won America&rsquo;s love with a brave smile and heart sign, knowing well that her chances were over in the women&rsquo;s short program event. Coach Damon Allen was then forced to console his distraught student, who failed to keep her composure following a failed triple loop, pushing her down to the 13th position.<\/p>\n<p>Yet her final free skate was electric, allowing her to show what she is truly capable of. This amazing skate allowed her to set a record score for the evening that bumped her back up to 5th place for the final results. Unfortunately, it wasn&rsquo;t enough for a medal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve already had a moment that I&rsquo;ve never experienced in figure skating at nationals with this program,&rdquo; she told <a href=\"https:\/\/eu.usatoday.com\/story\/sports\/olympics\/2026\/02\/17\/amber-glenn-figure-skating-olympics-short-program\/88720593007\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USA Today<\/a> before her performance. &ldquo;So, I&rsquo;m hoping today I can just really enjoy it for myself, and everyone at home can enjoy it too.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<h2>Lindsey Vonn Defiant After Horror Crash<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_65736\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-65736\" class=\"size-full wp-image-65736\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159.jpg\" alt=\"STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - FEB 23, 2016: Lindsey Vonn (USA) in action at FIS SKI WORLD CUP\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-65736\" class=\"size-full wp-image-65736 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159.jpg\" alt=\"STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - FEB 23, 2016: Lindsey Vonn (USA) in action at FIS SKI WORLD CUP\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_381100159.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-65736\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit: Stefan Holm at Shutterstock.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>At 41, Lindsey Vonn returned to Olympic competition with a surgically repaired knee and something to prove. Her brutal crash in the downhill raised immediate concern and ended her medal hopes. However, rather than showing regret, Vonn defended her choice with some choice words amid a barrage of criticism from critics.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;One thing that stung was when people said I was selfish and should give my Olympic spot to someone else,&rdquo; she wrote on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DVCEVTBkXmy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instagram<\/a>. She then listed her season&rsquo;s achievements, including being on every downhill podium. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not impossible until it&rsquo;s done. I didn&rsquo;t reach my ultimate goal&hellip;. But I still did a lot,&rdquo; she added,<\/p>\n<h2>Mikaela Shiffrin Finds Calm Before Gold<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_65737\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-65737\" class=\"size-full wp-image-65737\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839.jpg\" alt=\"Soldeu, Andorra : 2023 March 19 : Mikaela SHIFFRIN of USA winner the Overall Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Finals Super L on March 19, 2023 in Soldeu, Andorra.\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-65737\" class=\"size-full wp-image-65737 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839.jpg\" alt=\"Soldeu, Andorra : 2023 March 19 : Mikaela SHIFFRIN of USA winner the Overall Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Finals Super L on March 19, 2023 in Soldeu, Andorra.\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2278883839.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-65737\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit: martin SC photo at Shutterstock.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Mikaela Shiffrin earned Olympic slalom gold at Milan-Cortina, and she credits mental strength and friendship, including supportive messages from teammate Breezy Johnson. Shiffrin revealed a text that changed her mindset before she won that fabled slalom gold. &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t forget you&rsquo;re amazing!&rdquo; was the central message in a series of daily reminders that Johnson sent her teammate all week.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Still, one in particular stood out, <a href=\"https:\/\/timesofindia.indiatimes.com\/sports\/international-sports\/2026-winter-olympics-freestyle-skiing-mikaela-shiffrin-reveals-breezy-johnson-text-that-changed-her-mindset-before-slalom-gold\/articleshow\/128655601.cms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Times of India<\/a> reports. &ldquo;She told me that if you&rsquo;re not happy without a medal, you won&rsquo;t be happy with a medal&hellip;because happiness comes from cats,&rdquo; Shiffrin told People Magazine. The message showed her that medals don&rsquo;t ensure happiness, but follow it.<\/p>\n<h2>Breezy Johnson and Her Fairytale Ending<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_65738\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-65738\" class=\"size-full wp-image-65738\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984.jpg\" alt=\"Cortina d ??Ampezzo, Italy 23 January 2016. JOHNSON Breezy (Usa) competing in the Audi Fis Alpine Skiing World Cup Women downhill Race on the Olympia Course in the dolomite mountain range.\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-65738\" class=\"size-full wp-image-65738 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984.jpg\" alt=\"Cortina d ??Ampezzo, Italy 23 January 2016. JOHNSON Breezy (Usa) competing in the Audi Fis Alpine Skiing World Cup Women downhill Race on the Olympia Course in the dolomite mountain range.\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_419881984.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-65738\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit: PHOTOMDP at Shutterstock.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Breezy Johnson secured Olympic gold in the women&rsquo;s downhill event, overcoming previous injuries and the shadow of Lindsey Vonn&rsquo;s dramatic crash. Her win highlighted not just speed and skill but the resilience to rebound from setbacks and seize one of skiing&rsquo;s highest prizes.<\/p>\n<p>Johnson&rsquo;s celebration was punctuated by her boyfriend&rsquo;s proposal at the finish area, a moment she later defended after critics suggested it overshadowed her victory.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I had suggested that it was always kind of my dream to get engaged at the Olympics, so, yeah,&rdquo; <a href=\"https:\/\/edition.cnn.com\/2026\/02\/17\/sport\/video\/breezy-johnson-olympics-sports-cnni-fast\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">she told CNN&rsquo;s<\/a> Coy Wire after the event. &ldquo;He planned the whole thing out, and it was a very awesome moment with all of my teammates, friends, and family around. It was pretty special.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>These are just a few of the inspiring stories behind American athletes that just touch the surface, including both men&rsquo;s and women&rsquo;s hockey teams winning gold. Plus, halfpipe skier Alex Ferreira finally got the gold he&rsquo;s been chasing for 12 years. There are plenty of reasons for Americans to feel proud this month.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Winter Olympics once again delivered a spectacle of speed, nerve, and scrutiny in Milano Cortina. There were heartbreaks and heroics, judging controversies, redemption arcs, and enough storylines to fuel debate long after the closing ceremony.&nbsp; It was a tournament where Madison Chock and Evan Bates missed out on ice dance gold after a judging &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":65,"featured_media":65903,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_stopmodifiedupdate":false,"_modified_date":"","rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"no","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8102],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[8133],"class_list":["post-65631","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"authors":[{"term_id":8133,"user_id":65,"is_guest":0,"slug":"ben-rice","display_name":"Ben Rice","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/12c006f281bdd318f01b92071f504b83f4882dad2dd5dce222b8dfd2d902bbea?s=96&d=blank&r=g","0":null,"1":"","2":"","3":"","4":"","5":"","6":"","7":"","8":""}],"mv":{"thumbnail_id":65903,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shutterstock_2714922917-300x169.jpg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65631","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/65"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=65631"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65631\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":65823,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65631\/revisions\/65823"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/65903"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=65631"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=65631"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=65631"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=65631"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}