The Pour Over TPO Explains: How Do the Winter Olympics Work?
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Feb 21, 2026 They break down how the Winter Games are scheduled, governed and paid for. They walk through hosting costs, venue reuse and the risks cities face. They cover IOC membership, selection rules and post-games legacy plans. They highlight quirky traditions like the flag handoff and touch on Paralympics, Youth Olympics and athlete medal bonuses.
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Hosts Describe Spectacular Ski Jumping
- Kathleen describes watching women's large hill ski jumping and likens athletes to 'flying squirrels.'
- Jason jokes their mascot Shadrack should compete, highlighting the sport's spectacle.
Big Air Skiing Emphasizes Style And Risk
- Jason explains big air skiing focuses on style with huge rotations and flips, often launching backward.
- Both hosts express amazement at athletes' aerial skill and risk-taking.
Costs Vary; Legacy Plans Matter
- Hosting costs vary widely: average Winter Games since 1960 cost $393 million, while Sochi 2014 reached $55 billion.
- The IOC now weighs existing infrastructure and legacy plans to avoid wasteful new construction.