2010 Winter Olympics

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Written by Rachel Roth, Features Staff Writer

The 21^st Winter Olympics in 2010 are taking place in Vancouver, Canada.  The festivities began in BC Place with the traditional lighting of the resplendent Olympic cauldron.  Embarking on February 12, the Olympic Games will continue through February 28.  The United States has taken Vancouver by storm with a total of 26 medals, with Germany not far behind with a total of 23.  Gold medalists from the United States include alpine skiers, Lindsey Vonn and Bodie Miller, and snowboarders, Shaun White and Seth Wescott.  In addition to the American Gold medalists are figure skater, Evan Lysacek, speed skater, Shani Davis, and freestyle skier, Hannah Kearney.

Some of the Olympic events are unknown to Floridians. The games that athletes include a myriad of different competitions including; alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsleigh, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, freestyle skiing, ice hockey, luge, Nordic combined, short track speed skating, skeleton, ski jumping, snowboarding, and speed skating.  Of these sports, only figure skating, ice hockey, and speed skating are known in the United States. 

A tragic event occurred in this year’s Winter Olympics.  The death of the athlete, Nodar Kumaritashvili, took everyone by surprise as well as leaving the nation in mourning of the extraordinary athlete.  He died during training for his luge competition and was unable to compete during the games.  Kumaritashvili, 21, was set to compete for the republic of Georgia.  During his training session on the $100 million dollar Olympics luge track, he was going at a rate of 90 mph; this was the fastest he has ever gone in his life.  He tilted his head slightly forward which caused him to lose control of his sled.  He went airborne and crashed into an unpadded pole and passed away shortly after.

The Olympic Games are well in progress but far from the imminent closing ceremony that will come at the beginning of next week.  As the tradition continues, pride and nationalism are bursting throughout every nation.  With its high spirits and cheerfulness, it has truly been an outstanding way to embark on the New Year.