Optimist
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Features
    • Book Review
  • Multimedia
    • Photo Galleries
    • Videos
  • Police Log
  • Print Edition
  • Projects
  • Classifieds
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Policies
    • Staff Contacts
    • Jobs
You are here: Home / Opinion / Why Winter Olympics aren’t as popular as the Summer Olympics

Why Winter Olympics aren’t as popular as the Summer Olympics

February 16, 2018 by Davis Hill

Every four years, Americans sit behind the bright lights of their television screens for three weeks and watch the Summer Olympics, but when it comes to the viewership of the Winter Olympics, most of us are apathetic. Since there is such a mass following in our country for the Summer Olympics, it would make sense that we would also be interested in the winter games. That is not the case, however. Most Americans could only name Shaun White as one of our Olympians. There are a multitude of reasons for the Summer Olympics favoritism, but the most significant reasons have to do with geography and demographics.

In the United States, we have all heard of Michael Phelps, Simone Biles and Misty May Treanor, but can you name that many winter Olympians? The viewership of the last Winter Olympics was 21 million people compared to the 27 million for the Rio summer games. Less people and less nations are interested in competing in the Winter Olympics.

The biggest reason most people favor the summer games is simply because they were raised in sports that are part of the Summer Olympics. Most American high schools promote sports in track and field, swimming or gymnastics. The inclusivity of summer events makes it more likely that viewers have an emotional connection to the sports during the summer. The majority of Americans don’t go skiing in Purgatory every winter break, so the likelihood of a random person enjoying Alpine Skiing is pretty low. The lack of availability of Winter Olympic sports means most people in our country don’t care about them.

The Winter Olympics on face value looks like it’s more privileged than its summer counterpart. Unless you live in states that receive a consistent snow annually or you can afford to take ski trips every break, you likely have never participated in a sport that is a part of the Winter Olympics. Our country will always have pride and hope in our winter teams, but it’s clear that countries covered in snow will almost always take it more seriously.

The United States will always be one of the greatest nations in the Olympics, and Americans will continue to be one of the best fan bases that any country has to offer…in the summer.

Filed Under: Editorials, Opinion

Other Opinion:

  • MyACU was renovated over the past few months, but there is still more to be done

  • SGA pushes for more publicity for passed legislation, which is a step in the right direction

  • Gardner Hall black mold rumors remain unconfirmed

About Davis Hill

You are here: Home / Opinion / Why Winter Olympics aren’t as popular as the Summer Olympics

Other Opinion:

  • MyACU was renovated over the past few months, but there is still more to be done

  • SGA pushes for more publicity for passed legislation, which is a step in the right direction

  • Gardner Hall black mold rumors remain unconfirmed

Follow us online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Optimist on Twitter

Twitter feed is not available at the moment.

Optimist on Facebook

The Optimist

3 days ago

The Optimist
Worry. Confusion. Fear. These are emotions that consume people when processing the concept of war. A student wants answers to peace and looks for it in family, friends, and leaders of the community. Students want answers to their questions and ACU has provided a platform for this. To read more about the resources provided visit acuoptimist.com or click the link in our bio. #acu #abilenechristianuniversity #israelhamaswar #abilenetx #warresources ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Optimist

6 days ago

The Optimist
This week on the Optimist Newscast we talk about the end of the Wildcat Football season and the goodbye blessing of Chaplin Cyrus Eaton. #acu #abilenechristianuniversity #acuchaplin #acufootball #acuvstexasam ... See MoreSee Less

Video

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Videos

Optimist Newscast Nov. 28, 2023

Our top stories this week include the Venture Out Market, ASA's Choma Event and ... [Read More…]

  • Optimist Newscast Nov. 16, 2023
  • Ethnos: Echoes Celebrates Students’ Diverse Cultures
  • Optimist Newscast Nov. 10, 2023

Latest Photos

  • Home
  • Podcasts

© 2023 ACU Optimist · All Rights Reserved