Winter Olympics 2022: The Best and Worst Moments – Vulture

The Olympics have now earned their second pandemic gold medal, against the advice of many protesting the games this year. Despite the rising Omicron variant and the lack of IRL coverage, 109 events are taking place this year, more than any other winter season. After beginning the season on a slippery slope (literally, a camera was caught sliding down the ski slope), the Winter Olympics have returned to Beijing for their first stint with snowy games.

Where there are numerous competitions happening in the early mornings, there are roundups to accompany them. From Johnny Weirs Hunger Gamesesque outfits to the Jamaica bobsled teams return, the highs are as glamorous and cinematic as they can get in a global pandemic. There are also the lows of another sports competition during a variant spike, which makes rooting for your favorite snowboarder (or rainbow panda) not feel quite right. Regardless of how you feel, the Winter Olympics have slid into our TVs like a rogue camera, lost on a mountain in China.

This post will be updated as the Olympics continue.

HIGH: Kamila Valiyeva ushers in Womens Skatings quad era

Kamila Valiyeva became the first woman to land a quad (specifically a quadruple Salchow) at the beginning of her free skate. She is the first woman to land a quad at the Olympics. Part of Russias Quad Squad, she is building on the work of skaters that came before her like Surya Bonaly, who was the first woman to attempt a quad in competition at the 1990 European Championships. Quadruple jumps are still outlawed in Womens Skating short programs, but allowed during free skate.

LOW: Mikaela Shiffrins inauspicious Beijing debut

Defending Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin was disqualified on her first Beijing Olympics event, giant slalom. She slid and crashed on her side, missing a gate. Shiffrin, 26, is still trying to be come the first Apline skiier to win three Olympics golds, and she still has some chances at Beijing. Her next event is the slalom (regular size) on Wednesday, an event she won at Sochi.

HIGH: Russian Jesus Skater

Who has a crown of thorns, a love for one of the silliest musicals of all time, and a flair for the dramatic? Its Mark Kondratiuk, the 18-year-old Russian figure skater who free-styled to a Jesus Christ Superstar medley while dressed (of course) like Jesus himself. The performance, which you can watch in full below, even featured a figure-skating-interpretation of the flagellation of Christ, which is just as campy as it sounds.

LOW: Whatever Johnny Weir is wearing here.

Were not sure what to make of this.

HIGH: Rainbow Panda Mascot!!

The 2022 Winter Olympics mascot is a cute rainbow panda named Bing Dwen Dwen. Does he resemble a Masked Singer mascot? Yes. Is he slightly terrifying? Okay, maybe!! Nevertheless, this little guy is an adorable rainbow astronaut panda who should win every medal.

LOW: Someone Skated in a Joker Costume

And to the soundtrack of the film! When will we know peace

HIGH: The Yassification of Team USA

Skims, a.k.a. Kimberly Kardashians clothing line, sent Team USA a swag bag full of clothing so they can be winter baddies.

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Winter Olympics 2022: The Best and Worst Moments - Vulture