NearPup

Today is the day, day one of arguably the world's strongest speed skating championships: the Dutch Olympic qualifiers  
 
At 14:00 it's the women's 1000m, followed by the men's 5000m at 14.45. First chance for some, make or break for others. Some are going to have their worst day of Christmas ever  

You should be sure.  Tokyo was held during a surge in the pandemic and they completed every event.  What chaos at the short course worlds?  Yes, a number of athletes couldn't compete.  Yet, every event was held.  If that's "how bad it could get," then the Olympics should be a lot easier with all the safety protocols they're likely to have in place.
 
Please stop fear-mongering.  We all know COVID is a serious issue, but it's not going to get the IOC or China to say "you know what, let's postpone the Olympics, we can't have them now"

Quebec is locking down tighter than the rest of Canada. Pro sports aren’t cancelled outright, my guess is that the logistics just weren’t workable.
 
They had to get a special exemption from the provincial government just to hold the event. That was granted three days ago, but right after that the government tightened COVID rules.

…and the  Olympic trials have been cancelled due to COVID. No word yet on the effect that will have on the team’s selection.

Sweden 
 
4 gold
5 silver 
3 bronze 
 
12 medals total. Best in history for Sweden. 
 
Pretty ok I think. 

A revived speed skating team, new events and hopefully a return to the podium in curling could maintain Canada's count from 2018.  
 
The thing is, Canada tends to be good at things that are unpredictable like freestyle, snowboard and short track.  One slip spells disaster in those events.  Add to that uncertain training and competitive seasons the last 2 years and who knows.  It could turn out great, it could be terrible.  
 
Prediction: Canada doesn't win a figure skating medal for the first time since 1980.  

Allison Baver, a three time Olympian and a 2010 bronze medalist in the relay, is being accused of scamming ten million dollars in COVID aid from the US government to finance a movie.
 
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/more-sports/ex-olympic-speed-skating-medalist-charged-with-stealing-dollar10m-in-covid-19-aid-to-help-finance-elijah-wood-movie/ar-AARTM2M?li=BBnbfcL

Historically that works out marginally better than fascism at least...
 
Seems like there was a real lack of mainstream options in the second round.

I mean it's pretty clear why the NHL is pulling out - there is an increase in COVID cases, which is massively affecting their schedule (including a postponement of all cross border games) and the players and teams both have a big issue with the current Beijing playbook - specifically the possibility of having to quarantine three weeks if they test positive (without being able to fly back).
 
There's just too much money on the line for this to work out unfortunately.

The  Olympic trials will be held at the brand new “Centre de Glace” in Quebec City from December 27th to 31st. I believe this is the first time since 1984 that Calgary will not hold the Olympic trials.

The  Olympic trials will be held at the brand new “Centre de Glace” in Quebec City from December 27th to 31st. I believe this is the first time since 1984 that Calgary will not hold the Olympic trials.

Argentina in the Single Mixed Relay and Chile in the Mixed Relay.  That is awesome!

has earned the second Olympic spot.
 
The third and final spot will be decided by a playoff between  and  

Article (through good old Google translate) seems to imply they are considering naming Makarainen and Berger co-champions.

Too bad Streslov isn't Belarusian, this would have been a fun mixed relay.

Women’s mass start at the four continents championship. An 11 minute snoozer with six skaters.

has won the second spot.
 
The final spot in the women’s tournament will be decided in a playoff between  and

has earned the second Olympic spot.
 
The third and final spot will be decided by a playoff between  and  

Zaisteva disqualified almost 8 years later and when the world cup rank 2013-14 is calculated again, Makarainen might lose her overall titel to Berger

Has qualified for the Olympics (even before having to play their final game).
 
 has clinched a playoff spot.

That's a lot of Ariannas...

That's a lot of Ariannas...

Italy have already selected their team for the Olympic Games...
 
Men
Andrea Cassinelli Yuri Confortola Tommaso Dotti Pietro Sighel Luca Spechenhauser  
Women
Arianna Fontana Cynthia Mascitto Arianna Sighel Arianna Valcepina Martina Valcepina

You laugh but someone falling down while celebrating and knocking over a stone has decided a curling world championship before.