Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! HTDE: Torches and Ski Jumps
Feb 4, 2026
Sir Patrick Stewart, veteran actor and knight, shares a playful take on carrying the Olympic torch and its rituals. Ted Ligety, Olympic gold medalist and former U.S. ski racer, talks about downhill racing, training, jet lag, and the oddities of traveling with medals. They trade stories about torch logistics, ski course sounds, and the fine margins that make or break a run.
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Returning To A Dangerous Course
- Ted Ligety skied the Vormio downhill after flying in and described it as a scary but joyful experience.
- He noted six to eight inches of fresh snow made it more powder day than formal training.
Winning Is A Fine Line
- Winning in alpine skiing requires balancing risk and control; small angle differences matter enormously.
- Pushing too far shortens careers, so champions find a precise risk threshold.
Keep Boots Warm For Performance
- Warm ski boots before racing to keep plastic flexible and performance consistent.
- Use controlled heat sources so you warm the material without melting it.