Final answer:
More than 26 countries likely participated in the 2006 Winter Olympics since it is common for the number of participants to exceed the number of medal-winning countries. The climate influences sports participation and success in international events like the Winter Olympics, with countries in colder regions, such as Norway, typically performing better than in Summer Olympic Games.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question posed relates to the number of countries that participated in the 2006 Winter Olympics as compared to the number of countries that won medals. If 26 countries won medals, it is not directly indicative of the total number of participating countries, as various countries can participate without winning any medals. However, looking at the options provided, option b) suggests that more than 26 countries participated, which would be the most logical selection given that typically, the number of participants is higher than the number of medal-winning countries.
Climate plays a significant role in sporting preferences and success at events like the Winter Olympics. This is demonstrated by the case of Norway, a country with a cold climate, having won significantly more Winter Olympic medals than Summer Olympic medals (281 vs 148). This contrasts with sports like golf, baseball, and various water sports, which are more prevalent in areas with warmer climates that allow for year-round play.