For the first time, the Olympic Winter Games were held over 16 days in Calgary, including three weekends. The number of events increased to 46, compared to 39 in Sarajevo. Among the new events were the super-G in alpine skiing and nordic combined team events, which had last been part of the Olympics in 1948. In all, 57 nations participated in the Games, with the Soviet Union leading the medal table with 11 gold.
Short track speed skating, freestyle skiing and curling all appeared on the Calgaryprogram as demonstration events. All would be added to the Olympic program at future Games.
East German figure skater Katarina Witt defended her Olympic title, dazzling the audience with her seductive skating to Bizet’s Carmen. Canada’s Elizabeth Manley beat American Debi Thomas to claim the silver. In the men’s event, Brian Boitano of the United States edged out Canadian Brian Orser for the gold medal in an extremely close decision. Read more>>>
Australia at these Games
Australia sent a team of 19 athletes to the 1988 Winter Olympics. Apart from Squaw Valley 1960, when Australia entered an ice hockey team, it was the biggest team ever sent to the Games. Only two women were on the team, figure skaters Tracey Brooke and Monica MacDonald. Speed skater Michael Richmond, competing in his third Olympics, carried the Australian flag at the Opening Ceremony.
For the first time there were competitors in both bobsleigh and figure skating’s ice dancing. In bobsleigh, Australia entered teams in both the two-man and four-man events. Australians were also in action in alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsleigh, cross-country skiing and speed skating. As well, Australian athletes also contested the demonstration sports of freestyle moguls and short track speed skating.
Colin Coates participated in his sixth Winter Olympics - a record for participation. However, Coates was not supposed to be at the Games to race. He was listed technically as a competitor, but was regarded by Australian Olympic officials as an official and was forbidden to skate in any events. His own sport had not nominated him to attend. Coates tried to persuade the team’s Chef de Mission, Geoff Henke, to allow him to skate, but to no avail.
Unendorsed by his skating federation, banned by his team manager, but still with his name recorded among the possible starters, Coates reacted in a fashion that would have done Dawn Fraser proud. He donned an Australian uniform, went to the rink, lined up with the field at the start of the 10,000m and skated his heart out. He recorded his best time ever for the event in finishing 26th behind the winner, Tomas Gustafson of Sweden.
