4 Lessons from the Winter Olympics | Chatbooks

FREE STANDARD SHIPPING, ALWAYS

Chatterbox Family Blog

Lessons I’ve Learned While Watching the Winter Olympics

Published 2/22/26

When I was six years old, the Winter Olympics came to my hometown of Salt Lake City, Utah.

I don’t remember much from that time—you know, being six and all. But one thing I do remember vividly are those iconic berets,

the official merch of the 2002 Games, which my mom still has tucked away to this day.

As an adult, I can appreciate how meaningful it was to have the world come together on such a major stage right in my own backyard.

Now, whenever I visit Park City or ski Deer Valley, I still see that familiar snowflake logo with the words

“Official Site of the 2002 Winter Olympics.” It feels like a badge of honor—something that calls me to see myself as a proud Utahn, a proud American, and someone lucky enough to share in the joy of this global experience.

And honestly, I think right now is an important time to celebrate together. To find camaraderie. To root for something bigger than ourselves.

So, as we wrap up the events at Milan Cortina, here are a few lessons I’ve learned while watching the Olympics:

1. There is honor in getting back out there, even when it doesn’t go as planned

Watching Lindsey Vonn’s story this Olympic season was one of pure heroism.

It’s easy to celebrate athletes when they win gold, when everything looks effortless, and when their hard work is rewarded with that perfect moment on the podium. But Lindsay reminded me of something far more important: there is dignity in trying again.

When she showed up to this major world stage, one where she once dominated, knowing full well that she might not get the fairytale ending, knowing that her body had been through some pretty intense change and injury, I was inspired by her vulnerability to say the least.

So often in life, we wait until we’re sure we’ll succeed before we put ourselves out there. We wait until we’re “ready,” until we’re confident, until the conditions feel perfect. But watching her push through pain, nerves, and the weight of her own legacy reminded me that bravery isn’t always about winning—it’s about participating again, even when you might fall short.

Sometimes, the win is simply refusing to let one hard chapter be the end of the story.

2. You can always innovate—there’s always another level

If there’s one athlete who embodies “breaking the mold,” it’s Ilia Malinin.

Three weeks ago, I had never even heard of the “quad god” and now I could define for you a quadruple axel, no problem. He’s seemingly defying the laws of physics.

And what I love most about him is that he doesn’t skate like someone trying to fit into the old rules. Instead, he skates like someone who believes the sport can evolve. Like someone who sees limits as suggestions. Watching him made me think about how often we assume the “great ones” are simply born gifted. But Ilia feels like proof that greatness is also built by curiosity. By daring to ask:

What if I try something nobody else is trying?

That mindset is rare—not just in sports, but in life.

It’s something I want to take with me, because although that mindset can often be met with failure, it’s where the breakthroughs happen. It’s exciting to think that I have yet to develop new skills that I might be great at.

3. The strongest motivation is love

An athlete whose story absolutely moved me this season is Breezy Johnson.

Hearing how she skied with her dad on her mind, especially after he suffered an injury right before the Olympics, was one of those moments that makes you realize the Olympics aren’t really about medals. They’re about meaning.

Because yes, these athletes are elite. They are powerful and fast and unbelievably disciplined. But they’re also just sons and daughters to proud parents. They’re also humans who carry their families with them, even when they’re alone at the top of a mountain.

And if you didn’t catch Breezy’s moment with NBC reporter Molly Hunter, it’s a must-watch. After winning Team USA’s first downhill gold, Breezy dedicated the race to her dad, who was recently injured and may never ski again. Fighting back tears, she said, “The least I could do was ski fast.” That’s when Molly shifted into proud-parent mode on behalf of all parents everywhere. “You skied so fast,” she replied, choking on her own words, before pulling Breezy into a hug.

That moment will stick with me forever. It reminded me that we are all just trying to honor the people who have gotten us to where we are, and sometimes strength looks like showing up when your heart is somewhere else entirely.

4. Competition and camaraderie can exist at the same time

One of the most unexpected lessons the Olympics have taught me is that you can compete fiercely and still celebrate wholeheartedly.

Some of my favorite moments haven’t been the medal ceremonies, but rather they’ve been the finish-line hugs. I love the way athletes wrap each other up after a race, clap for each other’s record-breaking performances, and cheer louder than anyone in the stands when their competitor takes home the victory.

Many of these athletes have known each other for years. They’ve trained together. They’ve traveled the same World Cup circuits. They’ve shown up to the in-between competitions that nobody watches, fighting for qualification spots and chasing the same dreams. They understand the grind behind the glamour.

I’m sure the disappointment is loud. Some are more competitive than others, and their fear of losing is real. I can only imagine the fear and anticipation they feel in their single Olympic moment: a lifetime of work distilled into seconds. And yet, when it’s over, so many of them choose joy. They choose sportsmanship. They choose each other.

It’s a powerful reminder that the real magic of the Olympics isn’t just about who stands on the podium. It’s about unity. About shared sacrifice. About the camaraderie that exists even across borders and flags, and that breeds true hope.

As the lights dim on Milan Cortina and the Olympic season comes to a close, I’m reminded why I love watching the Games so much. It’s not just the spectacle, or the medals, or the national pride. It’s the reminder that humans are capable of so much more than we think.

It’s Lindsay Vonn showing us the courage of returning. It’s Ilia Malinin showing us that innovation is always possible. It’s Breezy Johnson showing us that love can carry you farther than confidence ever could.

Perhaps the real gift of the Olympics is that it’s inviting us to believe in something bigger and to believe in each other. It invites us to try again and celebrate together. And in a world that often feels divided, that kind of camaraderie might be the most important lesson of all.