ZHANGJIAKOU, China—On the final day of competition at Genting Snow Park, in the final freestyle skiing event of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Mother Nature brought all she could muster. She brought winds that slapped your cheeks and swirled fake powder like rising smoke. She brought subzero temperatures that tightened throats, froze toes, and left even the hardiest of athletes shivering. And yet out of these conditions also came the warming sensation of joy.
“I’m just excited,” bronze medalist Alex Ferreira said. “I’m just super happy.”
“It feels amazing,” silver medalist David Wise said.
“I’m in a bit of disbelief right now,” gold medalist Nico Porteous said.