Christine Brennan discusses the Winter Olympics athletes to watch on ‘Settle In’

Key Concepts

• Michaela Shiffrin: American alpine skier seeking a redemption story after a disappointing 2022 Olympics.
• U.S. Figure Skating Team: Considered potentially the strongest ever assembled, with medal contenders in both men’s and women’s events.
• Ilia Malinin: American male figure skater, favored to win gold, known for landing a record number of quadruple jumps.
• Alyssa Liu: American female figure skater, reigning world champion with a unique career trajectory including early success, retirement, and a comeback.
• Geopolitical Context: Concerns about potential protests or negative reactions towards American athletes due to global political uncertainty.
• Olympic Ideal vs. Reality: Discussion of the unavoidable intersection of politics and the Olympic Games.

The 2020 Winter Olympics: Athletes, Storylines, and Geopolitical Considerations

The 2020 Winter Olympics, officially underway in Milan and Cortina, Italy, are being closely watched for both athletic achievement and the broader context of global uncertainty. The opening ceremony featured performances by Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli. This discussion, featuring Christine Brennan of USA Today, focuses on key athletes and potential storylines unfolding during the games.

Michaela Shiffrin’s Pursuit of Redemption

A central narrative revolves around American alpine skier Michaela Shiffrin. At 30 years old, Shiffrin is viewed as having significant potential for success, particularly after a devastating performance at the 2022 Olympics where she experienced multiple failures to finish events. Brennan emphasizes Shiffrin’s admirable handling of this adversity, noting her openness about her mental health and refusal to withdraw from public view. This resilience, coupled with her age, positions her as a strong contender for a comeback and a compelling athlete to follow. As Brennan stated, “She handled it beautifully and here she comes. She is back. Only 30. There is still plenty of time.”

The Strength of the U.S. Figure Skating Team

The American figure skating team is being touted as exceptionally strong, potentially achieving a level of success not seen since 1950, when U.S. skaters won 12 medals.

Ilia Malinin, the son of a former Olympian, is the clear favorite in the men’s event. He has earned the nickname “quad god” due to his unprecedented ability to land quadruple jumps – he landed seven in a single long program in December, a record for the sport. Brennan highlights this skill, stating, “It ain't bragging if you can back it up.”

Alyssa Liu, the reigning world champion, presents a unique story. She won the U.S. National Championship at ages 13 and 14, retired at 16, briefly returned to retirement at 18, then won the World title at 19, and is now competing at age 20. Her journey reflects a shift in perspective, having pursued other interests like skiing before returning to competitive skating with a renewed focus.

Geopolitical Concerns and Potential for Protest

The podcast addresses the potential for political statements or protests at the games, given the current state of global affairs and America’s position in the world. Brennan raises the question of whether American athletes might be booed during the opening ceremony, acknowledging that this has not historically been a common occurrence, despite the presence of U.S. tourists. However, she acknowledges the unavoidable intersection of politics and the Olympics, stating, “The notion politics don't enter the olympics. Are you kidding? It is a mirror of our society.” The discussion acknowledges the possibility of negative reactions stemming from past political tensions, particularly those associated with the Trump administration.

Historical Context and the Olympic Ideal

The conversation touches upon the historical significance of American figure skating, referencing iconic skaters like Michelle Kwan, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Tara Lipinski. This provides context for the current team’s potential achievements. The discussion implicitly challenges the traditional Olympic ideal of separating sports from politics, recognizing that the games inevitably reflect the broader societal and geopolitical landscape.

Conclusion

The 2020 Winter Olympics present a compelling mix of athletic storylines, particularly the redemption arc of Michaela Shiffrin and the potential dominance of the U.S. figure skating team. However, the games are also unfolding against a backdrop of global uncertainty, raising questions about potential political demonstrations and the enduring influence of geopolitical factors on the Olympic stage. The podcast highlights the complex interplay between athletic competition and the wider world, suggesting that the Olympics, despite aspirations of neutrality, remain a powerful reflection of contemporary society.