The XXII Winter Olympics are right around the corner, and everyone should be really excited for a lot of reasons. The most obvious reason being simply that it’s the Olympics, but this year things are different. Don’t look at this event as “just another Olympics,” because what is about to take place from Feb. 7-23 is going to be insane. Between the controversial venue, brand new events and many expected medals for the United States, Sochi has the potential to be the most entertaining event of the year.
First of all, get excited for Sochi because it’s in Russia, a mysterious place full of controversy and queries. Among the many questionable aspects of Russia hosting the Olympics are gay rights, possible embezzlement and ongoing concerns surrounding human rights, which have sparked global protests. All of these issues have made the games about far more than just winning medals.
Freestyle skiing is making its debut on the Olympic scene this year, a huge step for the sport that people have been waiting for. Although mogul and aerial skiing have been a part of the Olympics since 1988, slopestyle and halfpipe events will now be incorporated for both men and women. Snowboarding slopestyle will also be added this year in addition to halfpipe, which was added back in 1998.
Men’s ski jumping has been in the Olympics since 1924, the first winter games in Chamonix, France. However, women’s ski jumping is making its debut just this year. This event will bring huge progression to women’s skiing, especially alongside the new ski slopestyle and halfpipe events.
One of the biggest stories leading up to the games has been Colorado native and alpine skier Lindsey Vonn tearing her ACL and dismissing herself from Sochi. This is a big blow to the American Team, yet it has moved the spotlight onto someone new, Mikaela Shiffrin. Just three days after turning 18, Shiffrin clinched the worldcup slalom title, and she is predicted to thrive at these Olympic games in the absence of Vonn. Sports Illustrated even labeled her as “The Next Lindsey Vonn.”
Another story gaining attention within U.S. alpine skiing is regarding Bode Miller. He’s won five Olympic medals in his long career, the most from any American alpine skier. Now at 36 years old, Miller will likely be gracing the Olympic stage for the last time. The veteran scored a silver medal earlier this season at the Beaver Creek giant slalom and hopes to earn himself more hardware in Sochi.
Ted Ligety is another American with huge potential at the Olympics. He won a gold at the 2006 games in Torino, Italy and has also won the giant slalom world title four times.
Football will be all over soon, leaving college students with less to yell at on the television. Luckily these Olympics will serve as a perfect replacement and a great excuse to go hang out with friends. These games will be entertaining, so don’t forget to tune in and support the good ol’ United States of America.
