Lillehammer 1994

Schedule Change

In 1986, the IOC voted to change the schedule of the Olympic Games so that the Summer and Winter Games would be held in different years. To adjust to this new schedule, the Lillehammer Games were held in 1994, the only time that two winter Games have been staged two years apart.

Memorable Champions

Local hero Johann Olav Koss won three speed skating events and set a world record in every one. Vreni Schneider of Switzerland won a complete set of medals in Alpine skiing, and Manuela Di Centa of Italy earned medals in all five cross-country events. The women’s biathlon was dominated by Myriam Bédard of Canada, who won both individual races.

Lillehammer 1994 Winter Olympic Games Legacy

Discover the lasting legacy that this edition of the Olympic Games created for its hosts.

Repeat Performers

Swiss pair Gustav Weder and Donat Acklin became the first repeat winners of the two-man bobsleigh. Russian pairs skaters Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov returned to repeat their Olympic victory of 1988. American Bonnie Blair made history by becoming the first woman to win three consecutive speed-skating titles in the 500m and to win a second 500m/1000m double.