In our year-long look back at the Cortina 1956 Winter Olympics, we've come to the figure skating competition. Surprise! Figure skating had controversial judging back in the 1950s! Are you shocked?

Cortina 1956 was the last time that the figure skating competition took place on an outdoor rink. The format relied heavily on the figures portion and less so on the free skate - except for the pairs, which only had a long program.

Americans dominated the men's and women's competitions, but the pairs.....well, let's just say the audience had an interesting response to the judging.

Listen on to learn more!

For a transcript and complete list of sources used in this episode, visit: https://flamealivepod.com.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo: Wikimedia Commons via Picryl

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Keep the Flame Alive: Games History Moment with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown is released monthly. In 2026, these episodes explore the 7th Winter Olympic Games at Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy in 1956. Look for our regular episodes every week, with daily editions during the Olympics and Paralympics.

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We love it when our very first TKFLASTANI returns to the show! 2x Olympic bobsledder Josh Williamson joins us to talk about his experiences competing at Milano Cortina 2026. He and pilot Frank Del Duca finished fourth in the two-main bobsled, and while coming home with a medal would have been nice, Josh's arduous journey to even get to these Olympics makes that finish great.

Josh also competed in the four-man event, in which his sled placed 12th. Again, not a great finish on paper, but it's a great finish for this team. Josh explains why.

Follow Josh on Instagram: @jwilliamsonusa

In LA 28 news, a recent study from ACC and USC Annenberg revealed what people want from the upcoming Games - and how free events and city flair could make all the difference. Plus, we have some more information on hospitality houses, including what's happening at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall and House of Switzerland.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games have opened, and already there are weather issues that have forced organizers to make changes to swimming.

Also, the IOC has announced the final list of countries that are in the running to host the 2036 Summer Olympics. We talk about the cities that could potentially become Olympic hosts.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT.

***

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

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On this episode we're talking with one of Canada's most famous Olympians, Clara Hughes. A 6x Olympian, Clara has earned medals in both cycling and speed skating, making her one of the rare Olympians to medal at both a Summer and a Winter Olympics.

Post-Olympics, Clara has worked in broadcasting, public speaking and wrote a memoir about her life. She's also an avid hiker and artist.

However, life took a turn when Clara hit menopause, and to deal with her debilitating–and life-threatening–symptoms, she turned to psychedelics for healing. Her new memoir Learning to Breathe details that experience. We talk with her about what led her down this path and how it was the right choice for her.

You can get a copy of Clara's book at our bookshop.org storefront (affiliate link). We've got a copy to give away to one of our Patreon members. Sign up at patreon.com/flamealivepod--at a free or paid level by November 30 to be entered in a random drawing.

Also on today's show, we discuss LA 2028's newly announced slogan "Stars Align." Plus, we wonder how that could play into the mascot for these Games. And we've found more cities that have agreed to host the torch relay. Is yours on the list?

For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Note: Links to products are affiliate links. We earn commissions through purchases made through them, which helps to fund the show.

***

Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT.

***

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Become a patron and get bonus content: http://www.patreon.com/flamealivepod

Buy merch here: https://flamealivepod.dashery.com

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at https://flamealivepod.substack.com/subscribe

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348