From ski jumps and sliding bobsleds to engineering snow, here are 5 essential reads on the science of the Winter Olympics

Athletes will use physics concepts such as friction and lift to their advantage on the world stage in the 2026 Olympic Games.

By: Mary Magnuson, The Conversation, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 6, 2026

Words: 1,164

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

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By Mary Magnuson, The Conversation

Thousands of the world’s best athletes will flock to Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy in February 2026 for the 25th Winter Olympics. While sports fans are focused on the athletic feats of the Olympians, science enthusiasts can also have fun watching them.

Lots of winter sports are governed by unique laws of physics – from skaters speeding across the ice to skiers and snowboarders seemingly floating through the …

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