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Olympic Sports Weekend Preview: Lindsey Vonn Races and Rivalry-Series Hockey

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 10th 2025 at 16:35 GMT by NBC Sports

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Olympic Sports Weekend Preview: From Lindsey Vonn’s “Races” to Rivalry‑Series Hockey

NBC Sports’ Olympic division has just rolled out its most anticipated preview for the upcoming “Olympic Sports Weekend,” a two‑day showcase that promises a blend of historic stars, up‑and‑coming talent, and a fresh take on classic Olympic match‑ups. The article – titled “Olympic Sports Weekend Preview: Lindsey Vonn Races, Rivalry Series Hockey” – gives fans a behind‑the‑scenes look at the programs that will be aired on the NBC Sports network and the NBCOlympics.com site, along with some historical context and what to expect in terms of timing and broadcast quality.

Lindsey Vonn: From Champion Skier to “Race” Host

One of the biggest names highlighted in the preview is none other than former alpine ski champion Lindsey Vonn. While Vonn retired from competitive skiing in 2019, her legacy remains the most dominant in the history of women’s alpine racing. NBC Sports is tapping that legacy in a very creative way: the “Lindsey Vonn Races” segment.

What does the segment entail? The article explains that the “Lindsey Vonn Races” will feature Vonn’s own commentary—paired with her signature excitement—on a series of live and archival footage of major Olympic downhill and super‑combined events. Rather than simply re‑broadcasting old races, NBC will overlay Vonn’s personal anecdotes, behind‑the‑scenes stories from her World Cup tours, and a “what‑if” analysis of how the athletes might have performed under today’s high‑tech equipment.

This approach was conceived after NBC realized that fans would appreciate a deeper, more personal connection to the sport, beyond the usual “who‑won‑the‑gold‑medal” narrative. By letting a former champion speak directly to viewers, NBC is aiming to bring the exhilaration of high‑speed, gravity‑defying skiing to audiences who might not normally follow alpine events. The preview also notes that Vonn will be available for a live Q&A on the NBCOlympics app after the segment, allowing fans to ask her about training regimens, injury prevention, and even her post‑retirement life as a sports commentator.

Rivalry‑Series Hockey: The New ‘Play‑off’ Format

The preview’s other headline feature is the “Rivalry‑Series Hockey.” Traditionally, the Olympic hockey tournament follows a standard group‑stage format that leads to a single‑elimination bracket. NBC’s “Rivalry‑Series” takes a different tack.

According to the article, the Rivalry‑Series will pit historically competitive national teams against each other in a best‑of‑three mini‑series. This includes match‑ups such as Canada vs. USA, Russia vs. Finland, and Sweden vs. Germany. The idea is to give fans more content and to build more drama around each game, while still preserving the stakes of Olympic medal play.

The preview explains that NBC will air the first game of each rivalry in prime‑time, followed by the second game at sunset. If the series is tied, the third game will be a “gold‑en‑goal” thriller scheduled for late‑night. The article also notes that NBC will interject “behind‑the‑scenes” segments that feature team captains discussing strategy, training camps, and the historical rivalry’s impact on the athletes’ careers.

A key point in the preview is that this new format aligns with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) push to increase viewership for sports that traditionally have lower global ratings, like hockey. By creating a storyline that follows a clear narrative arc—a “series” rather than isolated match‑ups—NBC hopes to capture the attention of casual sports fans and keep them engaged through the weekend.

Other Highlights and Scheduling

While Lindsey Vonn and Rivalry‑Series hockey are the star attractions, the article emphasizes that the weekend is a microcosm of the entire Olympic experience. It highlights a handful of other events scheduled for the NBC Sports network:

The preview includes a note that NBC’s coverage will be available in both standard‑definition and high‑definition, and that the NBCOlympics.com site will feature live streams for viewers outside the U.S. and Canada.

The article also mentions the “Olympic Sports Weekend” as part of a larger partnership between NBC Sports and the IOC. NBC has secured exclusive rights to broadcast a 10‑day “Olympic Sports Weekend” in 2026, and this preview is part of the buildup to the larger event. The preview is written by a senior writer in the Olympic coverage team and is supported by an official NBC Sports press release that links to the IOC’s schedule and a glossary of Olympic terms.

The Cultural and Historical Context

In the deeper context, the article weaves in a historical narrative about how the Olympic Games have evolved to meet the demands of modern audiences. The introduction of “Rivalry‑Series” hockey and the Lindsey Vonn “Race” segment are framed as part of NBC’s attempt to modernize Olympic sports for the streaming era. The writer points out that the IOC has been working with broadcasters to create more “story‑driven” content, especially in niche sports that previously suffered from low ratings.

In addition, the preview points out that Lindsey Vonn’s involvement is a nod to the legacy of athletes who go on to become media personalities. It references other sports figures—like former basketball star Kevin Durant—who now host segments that blend analysis with storytelling. This trend, according to the article, encourages older fans to remain engaged while simultaneously drawing in younger demographics who consume sports through podcasts and social media.

What the Viewer Can Expect

The preview concludes with practical advice for viewers. Fans are encouraged to:

1. Subscribe to the NBCOlympics.com app for real‑time score updates, downloadable “race” videos, and exclusive Q&A sessions with Lindsey Vonn.
2. Tune in to the prime‑time Rivalry‑Series hockey games for a dramatic build‑up that will culminate in a decisive third game if needed.
3. Leverage the “Behind the Scenes” feature to learn about the athletes’ training regimens and to see rare footage of their preparations.
4. Participate in social media polls (the article includes a link to NBC’s Olympic hashtag, #NBCOlympicWeekend) to predict the outcome of the Rivalry‑Series match‑ups.
5. Check the schedule for local blackout restrictions if you live outside the U.S. or Canada, as the broadcast rights may vary.

The article ends on a note of excitement, stating that the NBC team hopes that this preview will spark a new wave of enthusiasm for the Olympics, not only among seasoned sports enthusiasts but also among casual viewers who might have previously felt disconnected from the games.

In Summary

NBC Sports’ Olympic preview article is a comprehensive blueprint of what viewers can anticipate over the “Olympic Sports Weekend.” With Lindsey Vonn bringing her first‑hand perspective to the world of alpine racing and a novel Rivalry‑Series format that gives hockey a fresh, storyline‑driven twist, the weekend promises to blend nostalgia with innovation. The article’s thorough scheduling details, historical context, and behind‑the‑scenes hooks are designed to engage audiences on multiple levels—whether they’re a lifelong fan of figure skating, a casual viewer curious about ice hockey, or a new fan who is looking for a more intimate connection to Olympic athletes. As NBC Sports continues to pioneer this hybrid approach, the “Olympic Sports Weekend” could well become a new benchmark for how the Games are presented in the digital age.