Schedule Change
In 1986, the IOC voted to change the schedule of the Olympic Games so that the Summer and Winter Games would be held in different years. To adjust to this new schedule, the Lillehammer Games were held in 1994, the only time that two winter Games have been staged two years apart.
Memorable Champions
Local hero Johann Olav Koss won three speed skating events and set a world record in every one. Vreni Schneider of Switzerland won a complete set of medals in Alpine skiing, and Manuela Di Centa of Italy earned medals in all five cross-country events. The women’s biathlon was dominated by Myriam Bédard of Canada, who won both individual races.
Lillehammer 1994 Winter Olympic Games Legacy
Discover the lasting legacy that this edition of the Olympic Games created for its hosts.
Swiss pair Gustav Weder and Donat Acklin became the first repeat winners of the two-man bobsleigh. Russian pairs skaters Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov returned to repeat their Olympic victory of 1988. American Bonnie Blair made history by becoming the first woman to win three consecutive speed-skating titles in the 500m and to win a second 500m/1000m double.
Olympic Spirit
Although the Games took place during the Bosnian War, the Bosnia and Herzegovina four-man bob team consisted of one Croatian, two Bosnians and a Serbian—the best possible example of the Olympic spirit at the worst of times.
NOCs: 67
Athletes: 1,737 (522 women and 1215 men)
Events: 61
Volunteers: 9,054
Media: 6,633 (2,615 written press, 4,018 broadcasters)
Every Two Years
Since 1994, the Olympic Winter Games and the Games of the Olympiad are held alternately every two years.
An Environmental Conscience
Based on respect for the environment, these Games were baptised the "White-Green Games" by President Samaranch.
An Emotive Call by the President
In memory of Sarajevo: "Our message is stronger than ever: Please stop the fighting. Stop the killing. Drop your guns."
Ceremonies
12 February 1994, Lillehammer. Opening Ceremony in Lysgaardsbakkene. The “vetters".
Official Opening of the Games by:
His Majesty King Harald V
Lighting of the Olympic Flame by:
Prince Haakon
Olympic Oath by:
Vegard Ulvang (cross country skiing)
Officials' Oath by:
Kari Karing (figure skating)