CORTINA d’AMPEZZO, Italy — In the zero-sum crucible of the Olympics, someone’s dream moment is someone else’s nightmare disappointment. There is only so much glory to go around. And occasionally, the people soaring and crashing are on the same team.
Team USA has now experienced successive women’s Alpine skiing events with that same clash of conflicting emotions. Medals were won, but not by the expected stars. All-time greats were laid low while lesser-known athletes were lifted up. The emotions of victory and defeat were familiar, but a twist of the kaleidoscope left us viewing them differently.
