Question

Many sportscasters predicted that Lindsey Vonn would be the star of the 2010 Winter Olympics. However, prior to the competition, Vonn suffered a bruised right shin and a hurt arm. This threatened to end her quest for a gold medal. Still, Vonn won the gold in her first race: the downhill. Vonn also won a second medal. She won a bronze in the super giant slalom event. This race combines downhill skiing with navigation through a slalom course.

Answer 1

Geographical advantages influence participation in certain sports, with terrain playing a critical role in training opportunities and success, as seen in Winter Olympics sports like downhill skiing and racing events like drag racing.

Step-by-step explanation:

Participation in certain sports events, such as the Olympic Games, often reflects geographical advantages. Countries like Austria and Switzerland, with their alpine terrain, have historically excelled in downhill skiing events during the Winter Olympics.

Conversely, nations with flatter terrain may find other sports, like drag racing, more suited to their topography. Highlighting these geographical influences on sports, standout athletes from various fields have made significant historical impacts.

Notable examples include Ethel Calderwood and Bobby Rosenfeld, who won Olympic gold for Canada, Jim Thorpe of the Sac and Fox Nation, and Gertrude Ederle, who was the first woman to swim the English Channel. Such sports figures have risen to fame and have significantly advanced the popularity and spirit of their respective sports disciplines.