The Olympics is a sports venue that brings together the best athletes immense competition and devotion.

Fierce pride for ones country also shows through as the world tunes in to watch its athletes competing to do their best and make their country proud.

As in all sporting events, there are favorites for each individual event. Some countries have shown domination in events for years and are already expected to win. Others have up and coming stars that are poised to make breakthroughs and to shatter old records.

In the slalom, the United States is optimistic about men such as Bode Miller, 24, who did well in the World Cup competition this year.

Picabo Street first gained Olympic fame in 1994, when she won a silver medal for downhill skiing. In 1998, at the Nagano Olympics, she won the gold in a super-G run, becoming the only U.S. woman skier to win a gold medal.

Other members of the skiing team include experienced members such as Kristina Koznick, Daron Rahlves, Kirsten Clark, Caroline Lalive, Jonna Mendes and Casey Puckett.

Chris Klug is the top male United States snowboarder. He has never participated in the Olympics before, but he won the World Cup Race in 2001. He also overcame a liver transplant in 2000 to win the World Cup race.

In bobsledding, the United States still may have a chance. One of the brakemen tested positive for steroids and has been banned, but the decision is being appealed. With that decision still out, the United States is ranked in the top 5-Switzerland being the favorite.

Michelle Kwan is one of the most famous figure skaters in the world, having won four world titles, six world-class medals and one Olympic silver medal. She has been the top U.S. women’s figure skater for six years, but may have some trouble with Russian skater Irina Slutskaya who is determined to get the gold.

On the men’s side of figure skating, Todd Eldredge, Michael Weiss and Tim Goebel offer a strong showing of experience and expertise for the USA.

In hockey, Chris Drury’s name is well known, at least in Colorado. Having been a part of the 2001 Stanley Cup winners, the Colorado Avalanche, his talent was quickly recognized by the Olympic Committee. This year will be Drury’s first trip to the Olympic games.

Of course, this isn’t saying that any one individual, team or country doesn’t have a chance at the Olympics.

The athletes competing are the best in the world, and they will show their prowess, athleticism and grace. With that talent and their names on the line, Olympic records and hearts will surely be broken.

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