Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games

The 31st FISU World University Games Winter in 2023, from 12-22 January, saw the FISU Flame return to North American soil for the first time since nearby city Buffalo hosted the Summer Universiade in 1993. This marked the first time the FISU Games Winter returned to a former host city as Lake Placid held the event in 1972, making it the only location outside of Europe or Asia to play host. With the sporting spirit of Lake Placid, combined with the historic and well-loved winter sports facilities of the region the international university sports movement was in good hands.

“There can be no doubt: Lake Placid is the place of legends for winter sports. We are reminded of this, just walking into this building and seeing the reminders of the ‘Miracle on Ice.’ We knew this was and is a very special place. And we had the privilege to be part of it,” said FISU Acting President Leonz Eder in the Herb Brooks Arena during the closing ceremony.

“Here, in winter, Lake Placid has brought unprecedented warmth to our Games. In a complicated world, full of conflict, this wonderful community has offered us an open heart. Let us not underestimate how lucky we are to have been able to enjoy these 11 days of joyous and peaceful celebration in sport,” he added.

1,417 student athletes and 733 officials from 46 countries, representing more than 540 universities, participated in 12 sports in Lake Placid. Competition took place in 85 medal events in alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, curling, snowboard, freestyle and freeski, ski jumping, Nordic combined, speed skating, short-track speed skating, biathlon, figure skating, and ice hockey. Japan led the way winning 48 medals, while Korea finished second with 29, and France third with 18.