Today’s Winter Olympics news as BBC halt coverage and Team GB in row | Other | Sport
The BBC was forced to suddenly halt its Winter Olympics coverage on BBC One to broadcast a major news update. Presenter Hazel Irvine paused the sporting action as the broadcaster announced that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, leading to significant disruption for viewers during the Games.
Heavy snowfall in Milano-Cortina has caused major chaos, specifically delaying the Team GB women’s curling grudge match against host nation Italy. Despite being an indoor event, the British squad’s arrival was hampered by the weather, forcing the scheduled start time to be pushed back by 25 minutes today.
Freestyle skiing sensation Eileen Gu has said that she was physically assaulted and faced death threats over her decision to represent China instead of the USA. The California-born star, who is now the most decorated female freestyle skier in history, opened up about the intense backlash and personal safety struggles she has endured.
Speed skater Jutta Leerdam, fiancee of Jake Paul, will escape punishment after unzipping her suit to reveal a Nike sports bra following her gold medal win. While the move sparked concerns about ambush marketing that could net her a seven-figure bonus, the IOC deemed the action “normal practice” given the restrictive nature of skating suits.
Alpine skiing icon Mikaela Shiffrin delivered a heartbreaking interview after winning slalom gold, her first Olympic medal since her father’s passing. Tennis star Iga Swiatek was among many to offer support as Shiffrin detailed the emotional struggle of competing without him and the “born again” feeling of life after loss.
A growing Paralympics boycott has seen Poland join Ukraine and EU officials in protesting the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags. Critics, including UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, have argued that reinstating national symbols during the ongoing invasion of Ukraine sends a “terrible message.”
Australian sports reporter Danika Mason issued a public apology after a video of her slurring her words during a live Winter Olympics broadcast went viral. Mason admitted she had misjudged having a few drinks before going on air, though Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended her, citing exhaustion and jet lag.
Polish skier Iwona Januszyk was at the centre of a commentary row after collapsing in tears following a last-place finish. BBC commentator Matt Chilton described her emotional display as a “tantrum,” a comment that sparked debate among viewers as the athlete appeared visibly devastated by her performance in the women’s sprint.
