'Skin Orgasms for Everyone': Highlights of the Winter Olympics So Far

Three writers and an Olympic medalist on the grit and grace of the winter games.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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In a roundtable discussion, the Opinion editor Steve Stromberg speaks with the contributing writer Esau McCaulley, the writer and podcaster Kelly Corrigan, and the Olympian Sasha Cohen about the joys, awe and escapism of the Winter Olympics, as well as the inescapable politics surrounding them.

Why it matters

The Winter Olympics are a global event that captivates audiences worldwide, showcasing the incredible skill and dedication of elite athletes. This discussion provides insight into the personal experiences, perspectives and emotions surrounding the Games, highlighting both the athletic feats and the broader social and political implications.

The details

The panelists share their favorite, most outrageous, most inspiring and most unexpected moments from the Winter Olympics so far, including the comeback story of Italian skier Federica Brignone, the emotional performance of Russian figure skater Maxim Naumov, and the composure of American figure skater Ilia Malinin after a disappointing performance. They also discuss the depth of the women's figure skating field and the potential for an American medalist, as well as the intersection of athletics and politics, particularly the comments made by American freestyle skier Hunter Hess.

  • Federica Brignone broke her tibia and fibula 10 months ago and returned to gentle skiing in November.
  • Maxim Naumov's parents were on a flight that crashed about 13 months ago.
  • The Winter Olympics are currently underway in Milan.

The players

Federica Brignone

An Italian skier who won two gold medals at the Winter Olympics after breaking her tibia and fibula 10 months ago and returning to gentle skiing in November.

Maxim Naumov

A Russian figure skater who performed with joy and gratitude at the Winter Olympics, carrying a picture of his parents who were on a flight that crashed about 13 months ago.

Ilia Malinin

An American figure skater known as the "Quad God" who disappointed in his Olympic performance but showed composure in the aftermath.

Alysa Liu

An American figure skater from Oakland who is in third place going into the long program and has a good shot at a medal.

Hunter Hess

An American freestyle skier who was criticized by former President Trump for his comments about representing the United States.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.