As the 2026 Winter Olympics concluded earlier this year, students at Aliso Niguel are still talking about their favorite sports and athletes. Some find themselves drawn to events they already understand, while others appreciate the entertainment side of competition.
Lindsey Watts (9) says, “My favorite sport to watch during the Winter Olympics was figure skating because I’m more familiar with the athletes.”
Figure skating is a combination of choreography and expressive moment appeals to viewers who appreciate both technical skill and creative presentation, making it one of the most widely watched winter events.
Familiarity often creates a stronger connection between the viewer and the event. Being able to identify competitors made it easier to follow the competition and feel invested in the results.
Understanding the structure and scoring of a sport can significantly impact how engaging the sport feels to watch. Some winter sports receive limited coverage outside of the Olympics, which can make them harder to follow.
Watts says, “I prefer the Summer Olympics more than the Winter Olympics because it features more popular sports.”
Sports like basketball, soccer and track are commonly played and watched throughout the entire year, which makes them feel more accessible and exciting to many students.
Watts shares, “I feel like many winter sports aren’t seen much outside of the Olympics, so this is the only time people truly pay attention to them.”
Since winter sports often receive limited media attention between Olympic cycles, they may feel less familiar to student viewers. As a result, audience interest can be heightened during the games themselves.
Watts shares, “My favorite Winter Olympian is Alysa Liu because she seems relatable and has a fun personality on social media.”
Athletes like Alysa Liu connect with younger audiences through their online presence. Social media allows students to see competitors beyond their performances, creating a sense of relatability, which strengthens fan support.
Lucia Hogan (9) shares, “I enjoy watching ice skating because it’s fun and entertaining.”
The energy and the routines make ice skating appealing even to viewers who may not follow other winter competitions closely.
Hogan says, “If I could compete in a sport, I would choose ice skating because it looks enjoyable.”
The Olympics often inspire students to imagine themselves participating. Hogan’s response shows how watching elite athletes can spark interest in trying something new.
Hogan says, “My favorite part of the Olympics is the variety of sports because they’re fun to watch.”
Overall, both students emphasize entertainment value and familiarity when describing their Olympic preferences. Whether enjoying the artistry of figure skating or cheering for Team USA, their reflections show that personal connection is what ultimately makes the Winter Olympics memorable.
