Pinterest creators take in the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024

At the Olympic Games, of course there will be medals. But at the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024, it’s where the best of sport meets the Korean Wave.

To celebrate, Pinterest creators are joining in on the action with exclusive access to the ultimate youth sporting event, alongside over 1,800 athletes representing 78 countries. The 14-day multi-sport competition kicked off on 19 Jan 2024, and we sent three creators, Ariel, Tara Chandra and Erick Limans, to experience the K-Wave theme woven throughout the event, as well as the featured winter sports, including ice skating and snowboarding.

As they are witnessing firsthand, along with the pursuit of sporting excellence, there’s no shortage of camaraderie, unity through sport, good food and yes, K-pop, too. Find out more about their highlights from the opening ceremonies and inspiring Olympic moments so far.

Ariel, @chaosbyariel

Which country or athlete are you cheering for the most?
Jia Shin, figure skater

What has been the highlight of your time in Gangwon?
The food! We had an amazing lunch with fresh seafood—it was so delicious and I loved trying it all.

Any standout moments from the opening ceremonies that you wouldn’t really see on TV?
The behind-the-scenes of setting up for every performance. All the staff worked so well and seamlessly together. Watching the effort behind the scenes makes you appreciate each performance a lot more.

What’s your sport of choice (as a spectator or participant) and why?
I personally love figure skating, it’s such a delicate sport. I enjoy watching the performances, and the costumes are always beautifully made.

What was the highlight of your Olympic experience?
Seeing how sport unites and brings together so many different cultures around the world!

Tara Chandra, @tarachandra_

Which country or athlete are you cheering for the most?
Australia. My home country!

Could you describe the scene at the opening ceremonies?
The energy was buzzing inside! They had a great host who entertained us and a whole range of Korean artists performing. Everyone received a light that was synced in the arena. They also had strobe lights and fireworks.

Any standout moments from the opening ceremonies that you wouldn’t really see on TV?
It was so sweet that a lot of the performers walking off stage after their performance waved to the crowd!

What’s the best example of fandom that you experienced?
The best example of fandom would probably be the families of participants supporting their children/team members in the crowd. They were all so proud.

What’s something surprising that you learned about the Olympics?
I honestly never thought about it before, but so much work goes on behind the scenes to make the Olympics happen! From the participants’ team reps, to all the staff at the designated hotels, the admin work and all the other jobs in-between. 

What’s your sport of choice?
Skiing. I grew up skiing, so I think it's very cool to see professionals doing things that I could never do on the slopes.

What was the highlight of your Olympic experience?
It's so much cooler in person!!

Erick Limans, @ericklimans

Which country or athlete are you cheering for the most?
I cheer for all! They have been inspiring from the start, wearing cool coloured uniforms that represent their countries and team. 

What has been the highlight of your time in Gangwon?
It's been cold and windy, but the warmth from the friendly Olympic family has made the experience unforgettable.

Where were you during the opening ceremonies, and could you describe the scene?
I was in front of the Olympic fire stage, which offered a nice view. Even though I couldn't see all the performers clearly, I could feel the energy!

What was your favourite part about it?
The ice skating team with the LED costumes stole the show. The lighting art in the entire stadium was phenomenal, and the music throughout the show had the wow factor.

Any standout moments from the opening ceremonies that you wouldn’t really see on TV?
When people were asked by the MC to learn the tiger dance. It was fun and animated the crowd.

What’s something new that you learned about Korean culture?
Always on-trend!

Getting your Olympic spirit on

The parade of national teams! LED costumes! K-pop! No time for FOMO when you can catch up on the opening ceremony and all the sporting action at olympics.com.

On Pinterest, creators from around the world are also celebrating all things fandom. From going-for-gold fits to beauty looks, find Olympics-inspired ideas that will keep you cheering.

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