Hope on the Horizon

Canada beat Germany 8-2. Luongo shone once again and will be behind the pipes against the dynamo Russian powerhouse tonight. I've been dreaming of this showdown for 4 long years. The top 2 elite teams in the world duking it out for Olympic supremacy. Alexander the Great vs. Sid the Kid...wow, just wow. Afro Samurai will have to wait. The women face off against the U.S. tomorrow night for Gold. Things are also looking promising for women's bobsledding, as Canada is expected to win 2 medals. Ashley McIvor nabbed the Gold in ski-cross as well. We just need another Gold medal to tie the Germans and the U.S. for the most Gold medals in the Olympics. 7th heaven is just a goal away...

Something to Smile About

I was looking for something...anything, to cheer about over the dismal last couple of days. Well, that moment of glory has finally come as Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir have made Olympic history in ice dancing. They are the 1st North American duo to win Gold at the Olympics. They are also the youngest ice dancing champions in Olympic history! Considering all the adversity they have had to overcome to make it this far, their Olympic Gold tastes ever sweeter.

In other news, Team Canada destroyed the Fins 5-0 to clinch a berth in the finals against their arch rivals; Team U.S.A. At this point, I'm looking at Canada's medal standing in terms of the number of Gold medals won. I mean, consider every other sports league. There are no runner-up medals or accolades. The Stanley Cup, Lombardi Trophy, Larry O' Brien Trophy, Commissioner's Trophy, PGA Championship Trophy, Venus Rosewater Dish...the list runs the gamut. Thus, its all about the Gold. Besides, second place is essentially the first loser, right?

From that perspective, Canada is only 2 Golds behind the U.S. (5 vs. 7). We can nab two Golds in hockey and two more in curling. If everything works out as planned we'll end up hosting more Olympic Champions than any other nation at the 2010 games. And wouldn't that be something to smile about?

One Word

It's gotten to the point where I can't help but laugh. Last night was the most disappointing night in Canadian Olympic history. 4 medal hopefuls, totally tanked and choked. Canada ends up empty handed in what could've been a clean sweep. The U.S continues to massacre the rest. 24 medals already?! Their previous best was in 2002 at Salt Lake with 34 medals. They had 25 in Torino and will probably end up with 40 medals in Vancouver...of all places! Canada beat the U.S. in Nagano, with 15 medals to the U.S.' 13. We performed poorly in Salt Lake but nabbed a nation-high 24 medals in Torino, only one shy of the States. As a result, hopes were high that this would be our Olympics. We pretty much end up in the top 5 in the world every Winter Olympics, but we wanted to be numero uno this time. On home turf. Not to mention the 100 million invested in our athletes this time around.

We currently sit in 5th with a dismal 9 medals. No one expected this. No one. Did our superstars in Torino crack under the pressure in Vancouver? Some of them surely tried too hard and lost on their gambles. And don't get me started on last night's loss against Team U.S.A. Perhaps another miracle on ice is underway? It's gotten to the point where I actually feel depressed. March 1st can't come soon enough...

America The Unstoppable

18 medals. We're only at the checkpoint. The U.S. had 25 medals in Torino. Canada had 24. We only have 7 at Vancouver. It seems playing at home is a serious disadvantage. Especially when you consider the 100 million they invested in Canadian athletes. Heck, Team Canada almost lost against Switzerland. Mind you, the only reason it went to a shootout was because of Miller's amazing acrobatics. Still, we lost a valuable point.

In figure skating Evan Lysacek of the U.S. gave the U.S. their first Olympic men's figure skating title in 22 years. He beat the heavy favorite Plushenko, who settled for silver. Medal favorite Chan of B.C. ended up in 5th. At this pace, Canada will probably end up with 12 medals, half of the total they racked up in Torino.

In other news, Slovakia stunned the world with a 2-1 win over the gold medal favorite Russians. Halak, the uber underrated goaltender of the Montreal Canadians, made 36 saves to lead the Slovak's to victory. It just goes to show how tight games can be in the Men's league. In the Women's league you basically only have two teams that have any skill: Team Canada and Team U.S.A. Women's hockey in the Olympics will probably be cancelled at the next Olympics; kinda like what they did with women's softball.

Corporate Saturation

Let's cut the BS. I'm sick of all the sponsorship bombardment. Tim Hortons, Rona, Buick, Visa...none of you corporate suits give a damn about the Olympics. Its all about money. I keep seeing your asinine commercials and I want them to surcease. It seems like the Olympics are mainly about money. Not about sport.

Canada also has not met expectations thus far. Having won 24 medals in Torino they have only won 6 thus far; placing them in 4th overall. What happened to the "own the podium" initiative? Right now, the U.S. is just dominating with 14 medals. Even our friend Colbert paid a visit to rub it in Canada's face! Shaun White kicked ass and took names on the board and Davis tore it up on the Oval. Let's just hope Team Canada (hockey) brings home the Gold. I think their outcome at these games will make or break the "Canadian experience" this year. Canada faces off against their U.S. rivals this Sunday!

The Power of 7

What a start to the Canadian Men's hockey team's debut! Team Canada routed Norway 8-0 on their Olympic opener. It took Team Canada 7 periods to finally get a shutout buster. In the 2006 Olympics in Torino Canada stunned the world with a 7th place finish. Sid-the-kid was born on August 7th, 1987 (08/7/87) and his jersey number is also 87. Patrick Chan disappointed Canada with a dismal 7th place finish in figure skating. Team Canada also beat Norway 7-6 in Curling. Notice a trend? Anyway, the Canadians got off to a rough start, with the game sitting at 0-0 after the first. Igilna fired things up with the shutout buster in the 2nd and Canada essentially blazed to victory....grilling the Norwegians to a delicate wafer crisp. The onslaught was furious and unending. I now have hope that we can restore our former reputation as a hockey dynamo and bring home the Gold. The only thing that stands in the way is Kove and Alexander the Great. Just remember that all natural-born leaders and empires will eventually come to an end. Your days are numbered Ove...

Thing's heat up

Its day 4, and the U.S. still leads with 8 medals. Germany has 5, followed by France with 4. Team Canada continues to deliver below expectations. Jeremy Witherspoon, who won Gold in the past, ended up in 9th in speed skating. Cindy Klassen, who won 5 medals in 2006 in Torino ended up in 10th. Mike Robertson. who was leading by a large margin heading into the final turn was demoted by a surge of adrenaline by U.S. snowboarder Seth Wescott. Robertson ended up with silver. Team Canada set a goal to end up 1st this Olympics but currently sit at a dismal 4th. Maybe they set the bar too high? Like, way too high. France captured two golds on day 4. Men's hockey officially starts today. Can't wait!

The End Begins...

The Olympics kicked off with a festive bang. The opening ceremonies were watched by an estimated 3 billion people worldwide. The show had a few glitches, like the lighting of the torches near the end, but overall it was quite an awesome spectacle. Unfortunately, it wasn't all fun and games.

Nodar Kumariashvili, a 21 year old luger, was killed during a "routine" practice. His death was the first since 1975 in the sport. To alleviate luger athlete fears, the men participated on the shorter women's track.

Currently, the top 3 countries in the world in terms of the medal count are the U.S. with 6, Germany has 4, and France has 3. The host nation sits at a disappointing 4th place currently, well below the nations expectations...

On that note, the Canadian women's hockey team was harassed after destroying their opposition 18-0 at their opening game, The win is the most lopsided in Olympic history. I believe that if you suck you shouldn't participate. The fact that there is such a dichotomy in women's hockey between teams may explain why interest is so low. You probably wouldn't have seen something like this in the men's league.

The Biggest Scandal's of the Winter Olympics (Part Two)

Let's keep going. In 1994, figure skater Nancy Kerrigan was attacked by a baton-wielding maniac, who injured her thigh. It was later revealed that the assault was orchestrated by none other than U.S. teammate Tonya Harding. A fierce rivalry ensued and Kerrigan would have the last laugh by winning a silver medal in Lillehammer. Harding ended up in 8th place and was subsequently banned from international competition after the fiasco.

In 2002, it was revealed that Olympic bid winners, Salt Lake City, were involved in a scandal. After having lost 5 bids for the Winter Games, Salt Lake City's Olympic committee got a little too desperate. In 1998, it was discovered that IOC constituents received millions in illicit handouts from U.S. organizers, including V.I.P. Super Bowl trips, college schlorships and even cosmetic surgery handouts for their families! 10 members ended up being expelled from the IOC. To make matters worse, it was later revealed that $4.4 million dollars was given to IOC members by organizers of the Nagano games of 98!

In 2006, the U.S. Skeleton's team coach, Tim Nardiello was accused of sexually assaulting two of his female sliders. Nardiello would be suspended but was later acquited of all charges due to inadequate evidence. However, the U.S. Olympic Committee refused to let him near the team for the Torino games. Nardiello apparently didn't take their demands to heart for he trained the team anyway. As a result Nardiello was fired for good less than two weeks before the Olympics. Whether he was responsible or not, the fact remains that no U.S qualifier would medal at Torino and only one woman (Katie Uhlaender) would even finish in the top 15 with a 6th place finish.

That's all folks. Stay tuned as the games begin today. TGITO!

The Biggest Scandals of the Winter Olympics (Part One)

Before the Olympics officially begin I thought I would discuss some of the biggest scandals in Winter Olympic history:

At the 1948 games in St. Moritz Switzerland saboteurs loosened the nuts on the steering mechanisms of the U.S. men's teams bobsleds in an attempt to DQ and injury them. The deviants were never caught.

At the 1968 games in Grenoble, France, Gold and Silver medalists, Ortin Enderlein and Anna-Maria Muller were stripped of their medals in the women's luge. They were caught heating the runners of their sleds. This technique basically reduces friction on the sleds, thereby improving velocity. Its wholly illegal, in case you were wondering.

At the 1988 games in Calgary James McGregor, a ticket manager at the games, was charged with theft and fraud. He scammed American customers out of money by selling them tickets at face value (Canadian prices) in American dollars and then pocketed the difference in terms of the exchange rate. So if a ticket cost $100 CND he would collect $100 USD, exchange the USD at a Canadian bank, and pocket about $40 for himself.

Colbert vs. Sharp Blades

This is just bizarre. That neurotic weirdo Colbert (from the aptly named Colbert Report) signed a sponsorship deal with U.S. speed skating. Its a match made in hell. I guess they'll try to do anything to try to oust the Canadian speed skating powerhouses in 2010. The U.S. teams financial woes worsened after Dutch bank DSB came up short on $300,000 of sponsorship money a month ago. The U.S. team worried that they wouldn't be able to fly to World Cups and what not. Colbert raised 40 gs in 24 hours for the team. Colbert has also generated controversy by bashing Canadian organizers for supposedly providing Canadian skaters with preferential access to the Richmond Oval and other Olympic venues while turning other skaters away. He has also bashed all Canadians as "Syrup Suckers." The fact is Colbert is a bona fide crack head and he should stick to his crappy shtick and brain dead audience of nimrods. Stay the hell away from the Olympics, buddy.

Sex Sells?

Ok, this is getting out of hand. You would think that at least in athletics women would be judged based on their athletic prowess and dedication instead of their appearance. Well, apparently that is only partially the case. I keep seeing magazine spreads and TV shows flaunting female athletes as sex objects. It scares me to think that my 5 year old daughter is being bamboozled with all of this smutty and sexist crap even on syndicated networks that are supposed to promote egalitarianism! The latest celluloid trash I saw was on Access Hollywood. Instead of focusing on the accomplishments of the female athletes they dedicated an entire segment to the "Babes of the Olympics."

In it, female athletes are shown in bikinis and in provocative poses. Its the winter Olympics, for crying out loud, not Maui! One example was Julia Mancuso. Mancuso won gold in the Giant Slalom in Turin. Instead of focusing on her incredible athleticism and the fact that she made her World Cup debut at the tender age of 15, it showcases her "goods" for the whole world to see. I'm also somewhat disappointed in the athletes who actually chose to participate in the photo shoots. At the same time, considering the vast majority of them are amateur athletes, meaning they get very little funding for their training endeavors...it almost seems like they have no choice but to denigrate themselves to continue persuing their bona fide passion. Corporate sponsors take note. Women are not sex objects. Stop thinking with your other head and get the blood flowing upstairs, perverts!

Be Prepared!

If you are planning on being a spectator/tourist at the Vancouver games you may want to implement the following tips to make your experience as safe and exciting as possible.

First, make sure you arrive early to any event you will be attending. One of the reasons why you should arrive early is so that you won't miss any part of the event. Security screening proceedings can take a while, so its best to be there asap. Gates for events will open between 2-4 hours before the actual competition, so you can't have any excuses for being tardy!

Second, make sure to check your tickets before you go. Each ticket has a unique session code. Also, lost or stolen tickets cannot be replaced of refunded...

Next, if you need to bring a bag with you make sure it is as petite as possible. If you have a really tiny bag (or no bag at all) you can use the express lane to enter the venue.

Forth, make sure you know what you can and cannot bring to the event beforehand. All spectators will have to go through a metal detector. Not bringing any metal or foreign items to the event will speeden up the screening process exponentially.

Finally, follow instructions. Public information marshals will be scattered throughout the venue and will provide you with instructions on where to go and what to do once there. Avoid any hassles by being a keen listener.

If you are one of the lucky few who has been bestowed the honor of attending the 21st Olympiad then make sure to be safe and relish every moment on behalf of the majority who sadly won't be attending.

The Age Old Debate

I'm referring to the "controversy" surrounding female skiing powerhouse Lindsey Vonn. Vonn is the 1st woman skier from the United States to have won two consecutive World Cup Championships. She was also featured as the cover athlete for the February issue of Sports Illustrated. The title "America's Best Woman Skier Ever" was emblazoned on the glossy cover. Surprisingly, this inflammatory statement is not what elicited the controversy. It had to do with the way Vonn was "positioned" on the cover. Vonn is seen skiing downhill with her smiling face positioned towards the reader. Her rear is almost magnified in the cover.

While I can see some people accusing this cover of being sexist I beg to differ. Sports Illustrated actually created a cover very similar to this one, except it involved a male skier in spandex instead. The male cover elicited no controversy whatsoever. The fact of the matter is Sports Illustrated covers try to capture dynamic energy. To have the cover athlete actually engage in the sport they're good at. As a result, I don't see any problems with the cover.

Skirts for Sticks

Saturday, Saturday! Yup, I love my hockey. Any hockey die-hard hockey fan gets that warm fuzzy feeling in their hearts when the puck drops on Saturday night. This time around, we'll be rooting for our fav's as they go for Gold with the whole world watching. At the same time, I think that women's hockey doesn't get the accolades and ratings it deserves. I recently saw this really stupid (and arguably sexist) commercial about eggs. Yeah, you read that right. In the commercial two dumb-a*ss Joe Blow's happen to be skating in the same rink where Olympic and World Champion hockey players Haley Wickenheiser and Kim St-Pierre are practicing. They have no clue as ti who these amazing athletes are and challenge them to a match. The losers would have to buy breakfast for the winners. Obviously, the women dominate and crush the idiots. Anyway, it just pisses me off that women's hockey doesn't get the exposure and sponsors it deserves. They are every bit as incredible as the men...with far less financing and athletic programs. The only thing I would like to see added to women's hockey is fighting and body-checking. This whole misogynist notion that women are made of "sugar and spice and everything nice" needs to change. Women can be total bad-asses if they wanna be and I encourage it.

Supremacy Incarnate...

The Canadians want to dominate. They want to crush the competition and revel in the misery of their fallen foes. They believe their time to strike will be in 2010. And I am in concurrence with their timing. At the 2009 World Championships Canada nabbed the #1 spot with the most medals. I guess they're expecting more of the same....especially with an entire nation to support them as they strive for excellence.

To me, Canada has always been the "friendly neighbor" type. Most people don't think of "dominance" when they think Canada. More like "subservience" and "pacifism." So it did come to me as a surprise when they openly proclaimed that they weren't in it to "do their best" but to "beat out the rest." I'm actually impressed, honestly. With their awesome "Own the Podium" program; which had over 100 million dollars invested into it, they've got the bark to back up their bite. Good stuff.

Luciano Barra, a renowned Olympic expert, analyst, and former direct general of the Italian Olympic Committee expects Canada to win 29 medals: 1 more than the German and American powerhouses. Obviously, only time will tell if the Canucks can back up the hype, but it'd be a nice "global" makeover for the nation if they can pull off the upset. The pursuit of perfection begins in IX days...

Prognosis Positive?

One of the things we need to realize about the Olympics is that its more than just a cavalcade of sports events and phenomenal athletes showcasing the peak of humanity's capabilities. Its a business. From shareholders, to new stadium expenditures, tourist dollars, and so on, even the grand event must succumb to one even greater. The Almighty Dollar. Vancouver is encouraging people to carpool and use public transit during the games to cut down on "human pollution."

So, how much will the city of Vancouver profit from the games? Analysts forecast a lot. Vancouver is notorious for its sky high accommodation and lodging costs to begin with. When you factor in all the tourist influx for the games...Vancouver is expected to reap the fruits of its labor and then some for the 2010 games.

As for ticket pricing, expect them to range from $175-1,100 CAD, depending on the seating arrangement! When you realize that BC Place (the opening and closing ceremonies venue) has a seating capacity of 60,000...that's 10 million dollars generated just for the opening ceremonies! Analysts predict that over 2.5 million people will attend the games. And that doesn't even count the 5,500+ athletes and staff, 10,000 media members, and 25,000 volunteers!

Still, some predict that the 21st winter games will not turn a profit. The operating costs for the games are nearly 1.8 billion dollars. Of that money, nearly 600 million came from taxpayer's. When you think about the recession that is still plaguing the nation that seems kinda rough and unfair. At least the Canadian dollar is worth close to 94 cents U.S... but will that suffice? Only time will tell, but my prediction it that it will turn a profit, albeit a very small one.

Turning Tragedy into Triumph

I have the utmost respect for disabled athletes. Not only are they phenomenal athletes in their own right, but the fact that they have had to overcome great adversity to get to where they are commends respect. I think that the vast majority of people would simply sulk and give-in to their handicap and use it as a crutch for the rest of their lives. These men and women, on the other hand, used their tragedy as an opportunity for excellence, representing their countries with the utmost dignity and pride. And for that, I salute them.

The top 5 countries in Torino were the Russian Federation (33 medals), Ukraine (25), Germany (18), France (15), and Austria (14) respectively.

Twist & Turn or Crash and Burn!

A little melodramatic, perhaps? Not quite. Have you seen some of the disastrous crashes that have plagued Alpine skiing since its inception? Its kinda like Nascar crashes, except there's far less metal to protect your hide as your flimsy body is torn asunder amidst gristle and snow-laced terrain. Crashes notwithstanding, the sport is a lot of fun to watch.

Its one of those sports that demands equal levels of speed, agility, stamina, and balance. One small faux pas can lead to an off-course DQ...and the death of an Olympic dream. All of that training and sweat and blood, frozen under a cold frosty avalanche of defeat.

Look for Antoine Deneriaz from France to repeat his Gold medal performance in Turin. Michael Walchhofer from Austria should nab the silver. I can't foresee any upset performances in Vancouver. On the women's side, Michaela Dorfmesiter from Austria should bring home the gold, although she will face some fierce competition from the likes of Martina Schild from Switzerland and Anja Parson from Sweden.

Bring out the Boom Stick!

The Skeleton. I wonder why they decided to call the sport the "Skeleton?" Is it because you end up being charred so bad that all your flesh burns off and you end up as a skeletor? What I know for sure is that it is one dangerous ride. I mean, you're going down this narrow ramp at God knows how fast with your head facing forward. I am well aware that they wear head gear but they aren't 100% foolproof. Scary stuff, but I'm sure its a real rush for the experienced athletes who partake in the sport.

Athletes to look for this year include Noelle Pikus-Pace. This incredible athlete has overcome enormous odds and adversity to qualify for the 2010 games. Having suffered a horrific leg injury five years ago in Calgary, and another injury which broke here tibia and fibula, she has battled the odds to qualify for the Vancouver games. The former world champion is in the best shape of her life and look for her to give it her all at Vancouver.

Another grizzled veteran that looks to bring home the gold is Marion Trott of Germany. The reigning champion looks to defend her title against some fierce competitors. One of her biggest rivals is Mellisa Hollingsworth of Alberta, Canada. The former bronze medalist looks to go all the way with an entire nation on her side.

Taboo No Longer!

Snowboarding! Ok, that was a little weird, but snowboarding is awesome. Totally gnarly and bodacious! I know there are still some naysayers out there that denounce the sport, but the taboo around the sport has died down in recent years. I remember just a decade ago when snowboarding and skateboarding were anti-establishment. It was more than a fun activity. It was a movement. A in-your-face revolution. Thanks to guys like Tony Hawk and Shaun White, and the X-games, snowboarding has become a mainstream sport. A ridiculous amount of skill is required, not to mention balls of steel.

Regarding the Olympics, the Americans have dominated the sport since its inception into the games in '98. Many people are expecting Shaun White; the reigning halfpipe champion, to bring home the gold. As for the women, many expect Lindsey Jacobellis, who won silver at Salt Lake, to bring home the gold. This is partly due to the fact that the defending champion, Tanja Friden, recently retired from the sport after she tore both her Achilles tendons in a world cup event a few weeks ago.

On the men's side, White should have little to no competition in Vancouver because his arch-rival; Danny Davis, will not be participating in the games. Davis suffered a severe spinal fracture during a quad bike accident last week. Although he is expected to make a full recovery, doctors expect him to be back on his board, ollieing to thousands of cheering fans, in about 14 months. Opportunity waits for no one folks...

The Sky's the Limit

Have you ever watched a Ski Jumping exhibition? Its pretty awesome. People being projected 40 feet into the air, head-on, while their bodies maintain an erect "V" formation. At least, that's how its supposed to be performed to rake in the big points. I've never done it myself, but I can only imagine that it must be a very exhilarating experience. You see, I've always wanted to fly. To transcend the law of gravity and to fly about, perusing terra firma in all its microscopic glory. While that may never happen (until Mach V suits are invented) I'm pretty sure being catapulted into the air, feeling light as a feather, is the next best thing.

Turning to reality, all eyes are on Austrian Wunderkind Gregor Schlierenzauer. The 20 year old phenom has already raked up 28 World Cup victories; including five in 09. The only prize that has eluded him is Olympic Gold. Will this be his year, and how much potential does this young man possess? The sky's the limit...

Red & Yellow, Let it Mellow!

Curling. One word to rule them all. Well, its more a sport than a word, but it has enough gravitas to lift a nation to its feet. Yellow and red rocks flying across a polished rink at 30 clicks an hour. People yelling their lungs out, telling their rocks to "hurry hard!" and "come on!" Sexual innuendo and double entendres aside, one can't argue about the "enthusiasm" the sport draws from its participants. And don't get me started on those brooms. I think Swiffer and the cleaning guys should publicly endorse curling. You know, form a deadly alliance (against germs).

I remember watching an episode of the Simpsons where Milhouse and Bart were fighting over the same girl. She just happened to be the daughter of mega-action star McBain, who happened to be shooting a movie in Canada. The two best-friends duked it out to decide who was worthy of the sultry lass, only to end up on a curling rink while a game was in session! It was funny, but the stereotypes hit hard and fast. From the cheesy "Canuck" lingo to the assertion that only 2 people were watching the event at home... I'm sure it pissed off a few die-hard curling fans: but in retrospect it was all done tongue-in-cheek.

Well, die-hards can chagrin again, because the Simpsons will be launching another episode about the 500 year old sport in February to usher in the Vancouver games.

Animated guffaws aside, curling is a very serious and tactical sport. Finite precision and keen reflexes, not to mention a solid strategy, are imperative to coming out on top. Many expect David Murdoch to emerge victorious against arch rival Kevin Martin of Ontario. Murdoch had defeated Martin 4 consecutive times, and analysts are expecting more of the same this time around. Perhaps home ice advantage will provide just the "polish" required to pull off a "miracle on ice." (Ok, I'll stop.)

On the women's side, Bingyu Wang and her Chinese crew are the reigning champs, albeit they'll face stiff competition from their Canadian and British compatriots.

Alright, so I'm not the biggest fan of curling, but I will be the first to acknowledge that it is a real sport, with passion, a fervent fan base, and several respectable ambassadors. Let the rocks hurry, and hurry hard! Ok, that's the last crack (...)

Need for Speed

Ah, the Bobsleigh. Its pretty exhilarating to watch in motion. I'll admit, I'm no expert, but I do enjoy the occasional run. It has always seemed to me to be a very risky sport. I mean, sure, the course is narrow, but being cramped together in such a small space and rushing forward at a seemingly terminal velocity...seems pretty scary. I've always preferred the team relay to the solo. I've always been a team player I guess.

So, who will take home the gold at Vancouver? I'd place my money on Steven Holcomb and John Napier. They are currently the world's top ranked bobsled drivers. I don't expect any upsets this time around.

In other news, former silver medalist Todd Hays will not be participating in the 2010 games. Unfortunately, Mr. Hays suffered a intraparenchymal hematoma after a training crash in Germany. The 40 year old U.S. veteran risks serious brain damage if he were to continue bobsledding.

Like any sport, risks go hand in hand with glory and defeat. When you put it all in perspective, I'm glad my need for speed is met on the sidelines...

Spin Circles Around Me...

I gotta admit, my enthusiasm for figure skating has waned over the years. I remember in the 90s, when guys like Elvis Stojko and Kurt Browning were reving things up with flips and triple salchow's. Kristi Yamaguchi and Emanuel Sandhu (who has since moved on to dance) were igniting heated flair and passion to every arabesque movement.

Then the dark side of figure skating reared its ugly head. Who can forget about the heinous assault orchestrated by former world champion Tonya Harding on Nancy Kerrigan? And then there was the Machiavellian scandal involving pairs skaters Jamie Sale and David Pelletier during the Salt Lake games. Bribery, deceit, malice...figure skating isn't all twirls and ribbons, folks.

However, there is hope on the horizon. Some young blood has been injected into this dying sport. One young man to definitely keep an eye on is 19 year Ottawa native Patrick Chan. Equal parts skill and finesse, look for him to bring home a medal at the Vancouver games.

Another medal hopeful is 17 year old Rachael Flatt from Colorado. Flatt made her international debut in 2007, winning the international challenge cup that year.

All in all, the newfound fresh talent that has been added to this year's Olympic roster has piqued my interest enough to keep a track on some of the sport's proteges. And for a guy who has essentially ignored the sport for the last 10 years, that's something to Triple Axel over...

Burn baby, burn!

Ah, speed skating. I gotta admit theirs something special about having 20 and 30 somethings racing around an oval rink at 50 clicks per hour in spandex. Maybe, its that they look like superheros (i.e., the Flash) battling it out for ice supremacy? Over the years their have been some chaotic battles between international powerhouses. DQs and controversies aside, its a marvel to see what humankind is capable of with the latest in nanotechnology.

For the upcoming Olympics all eyes are on speed skating superstar Shani Davis. He will skate in all 5 individual events this year but has mysteriously opted-out of the team rally...Davis holds the world record in the 1,000 and 1,500 meter courses.

Shifting to the Orient, former speed skating champ Hiroyasu Shimizu failed to qualify for the games. Shimizu last medaled at the Nagano games, taking home gold in the 500 meter rally. The 35 year old veteran has lost much of her finesse, stamina, and power over years of wear-and-tear. Oh, the woes of aging...

Regardless, this year's speed skating events are going to be awesome. Speed, grace, balance, and a little bit of grit thrown in there while thousands cheer from the stands. What more could you ask for?

History in the Making...

I have always been a fan of the Biathlon. Its similar to a marathon, except the conditions are far more fierce. You have to deal with the harsh climate, not to mention all of the equipment you have to carry around. It takes real nerves of steel to get through one. This time around all eyes are on amateur superstar Ole Einar Bjorndalen. The 35 year old biathlete from Norway has already won 5 gold medals. He picked up a gold in the 1998 games and another 4 at Salt Lake in 2002. In fact, no biathlete has won more Olympic gold medals in history! For the upcoming games look for Bjorndalen to battle it out with Evgeny Ustyugov of Russia and fellow compatriot Emil Hegle Svendsen. It should be a battle for the ages...

R.I.P. Dream Team

As an avid hockey fan I have seen some major upsets over the course of my life. The "miracle on ice" that occurred at Lake Placid was a moment for the ages. We have seen the Czechs pull off a huge upset at Nagano, stunning the seemingly unstoppable juggernaut known as "Team Canada." Many touted the Canadians to be the dream team. The Canadians ended up leaving Nagano empty-handed. Heck, just a few weeks ago, the junior Canadian hockey team's dominance came to an end as Team USA brought home the gold. With all of these upsets happening left-and-right, one can't help but wonder what Vancouver will bring. Will Canada be able to salvage their pride and their reputation by bringing Gold to native soil? Having Crosby on the team helps, but will he suffice? Brodeur seems to be playing some of his best hockey as of late, so that may help. We won't know until the games begin, but lets hope that this year's hockey championship ends with all blades blazing.

The Countdown Begins....

We are only 27 days away from the opening ceremonies of the 21st Winter Olympics. They are to be held in beautiful and glacial Vancouver, Canada. Known for its Alpine slopes and rugged winter terrain, Vancouver seems like the perfect hot (or should I say cold...) spot to hold the 21st Olympiad. In the 2006 Olympics; held in Turin, Italy, the Germans took the top spot with 29 medals. Other powerhouses included the United States (25), Canada (24), Austria (23), and Russia (22). The Canadians have home turf advantage this time around, so look for them to pull off some major upsets. Moreover, look for beautiful and mystical Aboriginal themes to celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of the Aboriginal settlers who discovered the beautiful and wondrous nation known as Canada.