The excitement and action of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Games can be found at Linwood Elementary School this week.
With each class representing a different country, Fitness & Health Teacher Fiona Zwiesler is hosting the Linwood Winter Olympics in her P.E. classes. Students compete in seven stations inspired by Olympic events – Biathlon, Skating, Bobsled, Luge and Skeleton, Ice Hockey, Ski Jump, and Curling – and take their place on the podium to receive the bronze, silver or gold medal.
“Our medal ceremony at the end of each class is something that both class teachers and admin love as they get to present the medals. The smiles on students' faces when they receive a medal are priceless,” Zwiesler said.
Originally from Ireland, Zwiesler first began holding Olympics at Linwood eight years ago.
“I knew that the Winter Olympics would be a perfect way to combine both exposure to the events through stations and also learning about other countries,” she said, noting that the class representing her home country with little Irish flags made her a little emotional.
Other Linwood specialists are also holding Olympic-inspired activities in classes like music, highlighting respect, excellence and friendship – the three things the Olympics were founded on.
Along with the Olympics, Zwiesler also organizes other activities that help students connect fitness and the world around them. In March, she holds activities inspired by the Emerald Isle for St. Patrick’s Day and also organized a push-up challenge based on the Super Bowl score.
“I have always loved to tie in current sporting events and other cultures into my teaching or fun challenges for the students.”
Try to keep up with Fiona and the Linwood Lions in a video: