Alpine skiing events were included for the first time, and this led to a major controversy. The IOC declared that ski instructors could not compete in the Olympic Games because they were professionals. Incensed, Austrian and Swiss skiers boycotted the events, with the exception of a few Austrians who decided to represent Germany.
Great Britain caused a major upset by beating Canada in the ice hockey competition. It should be noted, however, that several of the British players were living in Canada at the time but had kept their British passports.
One of the greatest speed skaters in the early history of the Winter Games was Ivar Ballangrud. The Norwegian won three speed skating golds in the 500m, 5,000m and 10,000m. He also claimed silver in the 1500m, his seventh Olympic medal in total.
Norwegian Sonja Henie won her third consecutive Olympic gold medal in women’s figure skating. After the Games, she turned professional and toured the world with spectacular ice shows, achieving great popularity, particularly in the U.S.
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Medals