The Youth Olympic Games have used the group format before due to a large number of entries. The 2023 Winter EYOF also used a two group format in the mixed team event.   Still, it's cool to see so many nations registered for the Asian Winter Games. 

Stage 10 in Alta Badia (ITA)   Men´s Slalom:   1. Timon Haugan    1:45.40 2. Loic Meillard    1:46.53 3. Atle Lie McGrath    1:46.66   Full Final Results HERE

https://en.emilyharrop.com/ Except her parents... "Hello everyone, I'm Emily,  From Sainte Foy (France), I was born with bindings on my feet and poles in my hands.  Born in the Tarentaise valley to English parents, I grew up surrounded by the mountains that now shape my life!"

Curling will have 14 participating nations, with the men's and mixed doubles events have a group stage (surely a first for an international MSE event? @Olympian1010?)   Mixed doubles   Group A:   I believe this is Turkmenistan's (and possibly Thailand and Kuwait) international curling debut.   Group B:   Women's:   Men's:   Group A:   Group B:    

Slovakia is technically returning through Czechia :)

We've been told that during the past 3 tournaments as well. There won't be many opportunities left. While I obviously believe they can do something big this year, it will be crucial not to screw up the quarterfinal game from the very beginning.

Italy will boycott the Azeri stage for protest against the international federation.

Likely for Tannheimer, quite unlikely for Galmace Paulin. She's far from being assured to even start in the WC before turning 20. Basically she'd have to get a spot this season, which could actually happen if she takes the extra-ticket at the JWCH. Anyway I don't see her making her way to gold in Oslo. Tänglander has a few seasons to do it, we'll see.       Quite surprisingly so, indeed. Barring her horrendous finish Richard would have made it 2 in one go. We should have some more names in the list in 2025.

There are some of Slovakia's finest young squads at the World Juniors in recent years

Winner in