Dutch Sports Press Files Complaint Against Jutta Leerdam for Media Silence
The Olympic Games have seen a remarkable turnout in alpine skiing, featuring the most internationally diverse group of participants. A total of 306 athletes representing 83 nations are competing for ten gold medals—five for men and five for women. However, athletes from Russia and Belarus are competing under a neutral flag due to exclusions imposed by the skiing federation.
Alpine Skiing: A Historical Overview
Since the inception of alpine skiing at the Winter Olympics in 1936, the sport has remained a staple. Austria has claimed nearly 25% of the 165 gold medals awarded in this category over the years. In total, 16 countries have won gold medals, with 25 nations having reached the podium.
Comparative Participation in Winter Sports
Alpine skiing is the most popular winter sport at this year’s games, followed by cross-country skiing, which involves participants from 64 nations. Notably, only two countries—Netherlands and Puerto Rico—are not participating in alpine skiing or cross-country events. Puerto Rico’s Olympic team consists of a solitary skeleton athlete, while the Netherlands is represented by four snowboarders.
- Netherlands’ participation includes skeleton, bobsled, and three disciplines of speed skating: long track, short track, and figure skating.
- Only the host nation, Italy, and the United States are competing in all available disciplines at these Olympics.
Representation of the Netherlands in Alpine Skiing
Historically, three Dutch athletes—two men and one woman—have participated in alpine skiing at the Winter Olympics. Among these, Baroness Gratia Schimmelpenninck van der Oye achieved the highest placement, finishing fourteenth at the 1936 Games in Germany.
Post-Skiing Contributions
After her skiing career, Schimmelpenninck became an entrepreneur, founding the first Dutch slimming club, known as Gratia Club voor Slankblijvers.
Gender Disparities in Olympic Events
The current Games feature equal numbers of male and female athletes in most events, with notable exceptions. The Nordic combined, which merges cross-country skiing and ski jumping, hosts only male competitors. Furthermore, men’s teams dominate in bobsled, luge, and ice hockey categories.
This year’s Olympic Games not only highlight athletic talent but also showcase the evolution of gender equality and international participation in winter sports.
