Cortina d'Ampezzo is a town in Italy that's been frozen in time. The snow-covered peaks outside are mirrored by the retro decor within. Art Deco and black and white photographs from 1956 line the walls, transporting visitors back to an era before the 21st century's worries.
The ice rink where athletes compete today has been a fixture here since the Olympics held eight years ago. The curling arena is where many athletes will spend their mornings this week, competing in what's one of the slowest sports at the Winter Games. For the competitors, it was only day one, but for others, like the British team of Bruce Mouat and Jennifer Dodds, it was just another match.
Mouat and Dodds are considered among the best curling teams in the world. Their opponents, Brett Gallant and Jocelyn Peterman from Canada, have been together since they formed a mixed doubles team to qualify for the Olympics eight years ago. The Canadian couple has already secured their place in the semi-finals.
Mouat's dominance on the ice is notable. He's only 31 but his skills are so impressive that even Snoop Dogg couldn't resist asking him for a selfie. Mouat and Dodds beat another unbeaten team from the US, 8-6, solidifying their position in the semi-finals.
The women's alpine skiing event, meanwhile, is just a short bus ride away up into the mountains. However, despite being part of the same Winter Games, there seems to be little overlap between curling and skiing.
While athletes continue training before competitions begin, the real focus lies on Lindsey Vonn's final appearance at the Olympics. The 41-year-old American skier competed in her first event since a knee injury forced her into a five-year retirement. Her speed and agility remain impressive despite the recent setback. Can she overtake her teammates from the US, Germany, and Italy to secure gold? Only time will tell.
The atmosphere around Cortina d'Ampezzo is relaxed, almost sleepy. Unlike other sports like luge, which requires spectators to dash down the mountain just to keep up with the action, skiing seems slow and peaceful by comparison.
The ice rink where athletes compete today has been a fixture here since the Olympics held eight years ago. The curling arena is where many athletes will spend their mornings this week, competing in what's one of the slowest sports at the Winter Games. For the competitors, it was only day one, but for others, like the British team of Bruce Mouat and Jennifer Dodds, it was just another match.
Mouat and Dodds are considered among the best curling teams in the world. Their opponents, Brett Gallant and Jocelyn Peterman from Canada, have been together since they formed a mixed doubles team to qualify for the Olympics eight years ago. The Canadian couple has already secured their place in the semi-finals.
Mouat's dominance on the ice is notable. He's only 31 but his skills are so impressive that even Snoop Dogg couldn't resist asking him for a selfie. Mouat and Dodds beat another unbeaten team from the US, 8-6, solidifying their position in the semi-finals.
The women's alpine skiing event, meanwhile, is just a short bus ride away up into the mountains. However, despite being part of the same Winter Games, there seems to be little overlap between curling and skiing.
While athletes continue training before competitions begin, the real focus lies on Lindsey Vonn's final appearance at the Olympics. The 41-year-old American skier competed in her first event since a knee injury forced her into a five-year retirement. Her speed and agility remain impressive despite the recent setback. Can she overtake her teammates from the US, Germany, and Italy to secure gold? Only time will tell.
The atmosphere around Cortina d'Ampezzo is relaxed, almost sleepy. Unlike other sports like luge, which requires spectators to dash down the mountain just to keep up with the action, skiing seems slow and peaceful by comparison.
. But seriously, have you seen Lindsey Vonn's comeback story? She's 41 years old and still going strong! That's dedication for ya 
. And can we talk about the contrast between curling and skiing? One's all intense and high-speed, while the other is like a leisurely stroll up the mountain 
. What do you think about this year's Olympics so far? Are there any surprises or underdogs that you're rooting for? 
. The way they've preserved that Art Deco style and black and white photos from 1956 is just genius. It's so cool to see the athletes competing on ice rinks that have been around since the Olympics eight years ago. I mean, can you imagine curling in a sport that's so much slower than others? 
But what really gets me is how Lindsey Vonn is still going strong at 41! Her comeback story is truly inspiring. And the atmosphere of Cortina d'Ampezzo seems so relaxed and peaceful... it's like they're all just enjoying the moment, not rushing to get to the next event 
. The fact that Snoop Dogg showed up for a selfie with Bruce Mouat, though? That's just pure awesomeness 
. It's like stepping into a time capsule, but still having all the modern amenities you'd expect from a sports venue. And can we talk about Lindsey Vonn for a sec? 41 years old and still giving it her all 
. She's an inspiration to anyone who's ever had to deal with injuries or setbacks. I'm so here for her final Olympics appearance 
Cortina d'Ampezzo is literally a time capsule... I mean, who wouldn't want to curl up in that retro decor all day? 
! On the other hand, Lindsey Vonn's comeback story is so inspiring - she's like a total rockstar at 41 
. I'm not gonna lie, though... those alpine skiing events do look kinda slow 
. They're so simple, but it takes like, forever to get the hang of kneading the dough just right 
I mean I watched a bit of the Olympics and it's literally the most relaxing sport ever! Who knew you could be so competitive doing something that moves at a snail's pace? 
it's also cool that Snoop Dogg took a selfie with Mouat, he's literally the coolest 
This Winter Games thing is just too suspicious for my taste.
. The way she moved out there was so smooth and effortless... I'm definitely rooting for her 
.
He's only 31, but he's basically a curling god! 
I'm also excited to see Lindsey Vonn in action - she's an inspiration, and I think she could totally pull off that gold medal. 
And have you noticed how chill the atmosphere is around here? 
It's like they're all just enjoying the mountain air and the quiet competition. Let's keep it peaceful and fun at the Winter Games! 
I think it's pretty cool that Cortina d'Ampezzo has a vibe from the past, like they're stuck in 1956 
. It must be weird for visitors to walk into an ice rink and see black and white photos on the walls. But hey, if curling is slow, I guess skiing can't be all that fast either 
, but it'll be fun to watch. And who knew Snoop Dogg was a curling fan 
. The curling arena sounds so cool too - all that retro decor and black and white photos from 1956... it's like stepping back in time 
. And honestly, I think Snoop Dogg was right on point asking Bruce Mouat for a selfie 
. I love how they have all this old-school decor in Cortina d'Ampezzo - it's like stepping back in time! 
Snoop Dogg asking for a selfie from a 31-yr-old curling prodigy? 
. On a more serious note, Lindsey Vonn is a total legend and her final Olympics appearance is a big deal 
And can we just talk about how chill the whole atmosphere in Cortina d'Ampezzo is? It's like everyone's just vibing with the winter vibes 
! The way they've preserved all that vintage decor is straight out of a time capsule 
. The energy at this Winter Games is so chill, you'd think people were sipping matcha rather than cheering for their fave athletes 
️. It's refreshing to see a sport that's all about precision and control like curling – I mean, who needs super-speed when you can nail those tricky shots? 
. The retro decor is so on point, especially with all those Art Deco vibes and black & white photos from '56 
. Curling seems so... slow, you know? Like, people are actually taking their time to throw stones and strategize