The 2014 Winter Olympics are being held in Sochi, Russia. Many competitions began today, February 6th, even though the official opening ceremonies are on Friday, February 7th. Athletes from around the world will come together to compete in the 22nd Winter Games. Snowboarding, figure-skating, skiing, and many more events will be going on over the next two weeks. Make sure you are tuning in and cheering on all of the United States Olympians that are competing.
Here are 8 athletes to watch in the 2014 Winter Olympics:
Steve Holcomb, men’s bobsledding-
Holcomb is back and ready to compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics after he won a gold medal in four-man bobsledding 4 years ago. The United States had not received a gold medal in four-man bobsledding in 62 years until Holcomb brought it home in Vancouver in 2010. He is certainly going to be fun to watch this year.
Ted Ligety, men’s skiing-
This Utah native is definitely going to impress this year. He received four straight World Cup giant slalom races dating back to last season. Ligety has proved that he is good enough to be one of the top skiers in the World.
Gracie Gold, women’s figure skating-
With a name like Gracie Gold you are simply destined for success. At a very young 18-years old, Gracie Gold has her sights set on a victory after her national championship last month. Gold might be just what the women’s figure skating team needs to bring a medal back to the United States.
Noelle Pikus-Pace, women’s skeleton-
This American skeleton racer was a competitor at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and she also took home five medals at the FIBT World Championships. Not only is Pikus a very talented skeleton racer but she also carries the job of being a mother of two young children.
Lolo Jones, women’s bobsled-
Jones is one of ten athletes who has competed both in the winter and summer games. She will be competing on the women’s bobsled team as a brakeman this year.
Shaun White, men’s snowboarding-
Definitely one of the most well-known names in the sport of men’s snowboarding, White will be back at it to compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics. He is one of the best in his sport and is always fun to watch.
Shani Davis, men’s speed skating-
Not an unknown name, Davis has already made Olympic history as the first black athlete to win an individual gold medal at the Winter Olympics in 2006. This native of Chicago is heading to Sochi in hopes of bringing home more gold.
Mikaela Shiffrin, women’s slalom skier-
This 18-year old slalom skier proved herself when she won two World Cup’s in a row and a total of three over the entire season. She is ready to continue to prove herself at the Olympics and be one of the youngest alpine skiers to ever win gold.