If you’ve been working overtime googling stuff about the Winter Olympics, you’re not alone. According to Google, these five questions are trending this week.
1. “Why do ice skaters wear gloves?” The normal reason, to keep their hands warm. But also to protect their hands from falls. Or sometimes they’re just part of their costume.
2. “Why do speed skaters wear glasses?” Mainly to protect their eyes from the wind, or tiny ice chips that fly up. They’re going 30 to 35 miles an hour.
3. “How do you steer in luge?” Mostly with your calves, shoulders, and by shifting your weight around. The sleds have handles, but they don’t really steer. They’re just to anchor yourself to, so you can make those tiny movements.
4. “How fast do snowboarders go in Big Air?” It’s the event with the steep hill and one big ramp at the bottom. Answer: Up to 50 miles an hour.
5. “How is curling scored?” It’s basically bocce on ice. Only one team scores each round. The closest stone to the center gets a point. If you have the two closest stones, it’s two points. Three closest, three points.
