The U.S. #2807-11 29¢ Winter Olympics stamps were issued on January 6, 1994, in Salt Lake City, UT, with a quantity of 35,800,000. Let's explore the events and history depicted on these stamps:
Alpine Skiing: A thrilling sport, Alpine skiing involves racing over a course at high speeds, with events like downhill, slalom, giant slalom, super giant slalom, and the combined. The stamp highlights the speed and skill required in downhill skiing, where competitors can reach speeds of up to 65 miles per hour. Alpine skiing has been an Olympic event since 1936.
Lugeing: This relatively new Olympic event was first included in the Winter Games in 1964. Originating in Austria in the 16th century, lugers race feet first down a steeply banked ice-covered course. The term "luge" comes from the French word for a small sled.
Ice Dancing: Ice dancing combines skating with ballroom dancing and differs from pair skating in several ways. The stamp describes the rules and requirements of ice dancing competitions, including compulsory dances, original set pattern dances, and free dancing. Ice dancing became an Olympic event in 1976.
Cross Country Skiing: Dating back thousands of years, cross-country skiing was included in the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924. Originating in northern Europe, cross-country skiing is a practical means of transportation in countries like Sweden, Norway, and Finland. It's a test of strength and endurance, with competitions including cross-country races, relays, jumping, and the biathlon.
Ice Hockey: Known for its fast-paced action, ice hockey originated in Montreal in 1855 and has become popular in countries like Canada, Czechoslovakia, the Soviet Union, Sweden, and the United States. The stamp highlights the rough and exciting nature of the game, with players sending the puck traveling at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Ice hockey became an Olympic event in 1920.
These stamps not only celebrate the excitement of the Winter Olympics but also showcase the rich history and tradition of each sport represented.
