When people think about what it means to be an Olympian, they often picture medals, national flags, and fierce competition. Those moments matter—but after hosting both the Speedskating World Cup and the Luge World Cup at Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation venues, we were reminded that another value sits just as firmly at the heart of the Olympic movement: friendship.

Over the course of these events, athletes from all over the world came together in Utah—representing different countries, cultures, languages, and lived experiences. On the ice and the track, they competed at the highest level. Off the ice, something equally powerful unfolded. We watched athletes laugh together, cheer for one another, trade pins, share meals, and reconnect with friends they’ve made through years of international competition.

At the Utah Olympic Oval and Utah Olympic Park, the venues weren’t just competition spaces—they became meeting places. Athletes who might face each other as rivals in one race were encouraging one another the next. Conversations crossed borders effortlessly. A nod of respect at the finish line, a shared smile in the warm-up area, or athletes from different nations celebrating personal bests together reminded us that sport has a unique way of breaking down barriers.

In a world that often feels deeply divided—politically, culturally, and socially—those moments matter. They show us what’s possible when people meet each other first as humans, not headlines. The friendships formed through sport aren’t about ignoring differences; they’re about recognizing them and choosing connection anyway.

This is especially meaningful at events like World Cups, where athletes return season after season. Many of them grow up together on the international circuit. They witness each other’s injuries, setbacks, breakthroughs, and victories. These shared experiences create bonds that last well beyond a single competition—and sometimes well beyond their athletic careers.

At the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, we see this as part of our mission. Our venues exist not only to train champions, but to foster community, understanding, and shared experience. When we host international events, Utah becomes a gathering place for the world—a reminder of what the Olympic values look like in action.

Being an Olympian isn’t just about standing on a podium. It’s about standing alongside others, even when you’re competing against them. It’s about respect, empathy, and friendship forged through shared pursuit and mutual admiration.

As we look ahead toward future World Cups—and toward 2034—we carry this lesson with us. In moments when division feels loud, the friendships we witnessed on the ice and the track speak just as loudly. They remind us that sport can still bring the world together, one race, one handshake, and one shared moment at a time.