Minnesota speedskater Birkeland earned her Olympic swan song, and plans to savor it

Many aspects of these Games have been more enjoyable for Giorgia Birkeland than her Olympic debut in 2022. “Last time was not even a comparison,” the speedskater from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, said. For one, it was still in a COVID-era of competition, where competitors were bunkered down and sporting masks in Beijing. “There was like no congregating, no pin exchanges, really,” she said. “It was very not social at all.” This time around, Birkeland is getting the full experience. She has explored the village and has the food schedule down. “It’s way more fun,” the 23-year-old said. “It’s very cool.” Everything is also...