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What is the biggest upset in Winter Olympic history?

Marlie Lardier

Well, to be honest, there have been quite a few upsets in the Winter Olympics over the years. However, if I had to pick one that really stands out, I would have to say it was when the Jamaican bobsled team made their debut at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.

I mean, who would have guessed that a group of athletes from a country with no snow or ice would be able to compete in a sport like bobsledding? But, against all odds, they managed to do just that.

Sure, they didn't win a medal, but the fact that they were able to make it to the Olympics and compete on the world's biggest stage was truly remarkable. They were definitely the talk of the town and captured the hearts of people all around the world.

In fact, their story was so inspiring that it was turned into a movie called Cool Runnings. The film tells the story of the Jamaican bobsled team and their journey to the Olympics, and has become a classic family favourite.

Another upset that comes to mind is the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics, when an unknown Norwegian skier named Vegard Ulvang shocked the world by winning three gold medals in cross-country skiing. What made this even more surprising was that Ulvang wasn't even supposed to be competing in the event, as he had chosen to focus on other races.

But, thanks to a last-minute decision by his coach, Ulvang ended up competing in the 50-kilometer race and won by a margin of two minutes, beating out some of the best skiers in the world.

Finally, I can't forget to mention the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, when American skier Bode Miller won two silver medals and a gold, despite being seen as a bit of an outsider and not really part of the US Ski Team's traditional approach. Miller was known for his unconventional style, and his success at the games in Utah was a huge upset for many in the skiing world.

Overall, whether it's a group of Jamaican bobsledders, an unknown Norwegian skier or a maverick American skier, the Winter Olympics are always full of surprises and upsets. And that's what makes them so exciting and inspiring to watch.