I will resist any speculation of the political climate taking place on the Korean peninsula at this time, but I will say that the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea in February are shaping up to be a fantastic showcase for the best in winter sports. The NHL hasn’t committed to sending its athletes to South Korea this time, but I expect the men’s hockey tournament will be one to remember. And with Russia banned from the Olympics, it’s going to be anyone’s to win or lose. The Russians will be at home on these particular games, although its athletes can participate under a neutral flag. Someone who’s looking for redemption is Shaun White, who bombed out when he competed in Sochi in 2014. With the competition in his discipline, he’ll have his work cut out for him. Chloe Kim is also a promising hopeful in the women’s competition. Alpine skiing hopes for the USA include Ted Ligety and Steve Nyman on the men’s side, and Lindsay Vahn and Mikaela Shiffin. Lindsay’s the one to watch, since she struck gold in Sochi nearly 4 years ago. Student athletes Nick Cunningham and Eric Weinstock are part of the US bobsled team. After the death of bobsledder Steven Holcomb, they hope to help the USA repeat the success that was achieved in Sochi when their team won 4 medals. On the women’s side, Jamie Greubel Poser and Meyers Taylor return to competition to better their fortunes. Justin Olsen won Olympic gold as a pusher in Vancouver in 2010 as a push athlete. This time, he’ll be in the driver’s seat helping the USA to their first gold medal in the bobsled. Figure skating is the star attraction at the games; it’s the one with the most drama attached to it. In 1994, everyone was so obsessed with the Nancy Kerrigan-Tonya Harding storyline that they were pleasantly surprised when Oksana Baiul captured the gold. America’s hopes include Salt Lake City born Nathan Chen and Alexandra, Virginia native Ashley Wagner. In the ice dance competition, brother-sister team Maiu and Alex Shibutani from Ann Arbor, Michiban will do their best to take anything the Russian skaters dish out. NBC and its various networks again have the coverage of the games. And for the first time, all action will air live in all time zones, after years of embargoing star events to prime time. So you’ll be able to see everything on air and online live. Just don’t expect the Opening and Closing ceremonies to be aired live. You can visit http://www.nbcolympics.com to check out all the upcoming Olympic action. Your comments are welcome. Enjoy the games, folks.
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