Olympic greatness is upon us America and it’s time to recognize the matchups that are MIRACLE worthy. We’re talking Kurt Russel TAKING IT TO THE SOVIETS kind of intensity.
Related:Â The Crash That Almost Broke Shaun White And His Olympic Dreams
And although all of Russian athletes are banned from participating under their nation’s flag this time around, that doesn’t mean this olympics is different for Americans living in the greatest country on earth– that’s right– Merica. Because that’s what it’s all about right? Chanting USA, USA, USA until we pass out or puke?
I think we all agree on that… 😉
7) Men’s Giant Slalom | Ted Ligety vs. Marcel Hirscher
These two have been going head to head for some time now but just recently the Austrian, Marcel Hirscher supplanted Ligety as the best in alpine technical disciplines. Following his first podium finish since returning from a series of injuries that included knee and back afflictions, Ted is on a roll. Look for Ligety to come out hard this olympics as it might very well prove to be his final shot. Hirscher on the other hand has never seen Olympic gold in his own hands. And after saying the Olympics don’t really matter earlier this year, we want to see him remain winless at the games. Go TED!
WHAT TO WATCH: Men’s Giant Slalom |10:15-12:10
13:45-15:45 – 2/18
6)Â Women’s Halfpipe | Chloe Kim vs. Kelly Clark (*injured?)
Chloe Kim is rocketing into the stratosphere at the age of 17 and low and behold– a veteran, Kelly Clark is working hard to protect her spot as the head torch bearer for the Olympic team. Like the Lindsey vs. Mikaela showdown, it’s less about being an American than the age-old conflict of future vs. the past. Will the legend or prodigy prevail? Only time will tell…
WHAT TO WATCH: Women’s Halfpipe Finals |10:00-11:40 – 2/13
5) Women’s Bobsled | Canada vs. USA
Other than hockey, there’s no better border sports war than the Women’s bobsled over the past few games. It’s been all USA vs. Canada and who doesn’t want to get down with some cross cultural sled battles?
WHAT TO WATCH: Women’s Heat 3 & 4 |Â 20:40-23:00 – 2/21
4) Men’s Slopestyle | Alex Goepper vs. Henrik Harlaut
Henrik just snagged X-Games gold and Goepper just snagged a spot on the Olympic team. Let’s just say Nick knows how to pull an upset after securing an alternate spot that ended in a bronze medal in Sochi. Big things are set to go down as the two of these slopestyle kings trade runs and push the sport into a new, more stylish domain.
What To Watch: Men’s Slopestyle Final |13:15-14:50 – 2/18
3) Speed Skating | USA vs. The World
Speed skating, besides the alpine downhill, is the most exhilarating event on the winter olympic schedule. Even the best are susceptible to a chance bump that sends them flying into the boards and like every olympics, the gold will be won by the most courageous athlete. Look for a scrappy USA team consisting of women like Shani Davis and Heather Bergsma to hold it down.
What to watch: Women’s 1,000m | 19:00-21:45 – 2/22
2) Curling… Yes, Curling.
Curling is a fast growing sport across both the Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions. So let’s get behind the bowling of snow sports and be like the dude. Another Caucasian Gary?
WHAT TO WATCH:Â Men’s Gold Medal | 15:35-18:55 – 2/24
1) Women’s Downhill | Mikaela Shiffrin vs. Lindsey Vonn
Whether the athletes see the rivalry or not (*one specializes in speed events while the other like technical disciplines), Mikaela winning her first downhill this year has the ski race world talking. Could Mikaela upset in the downhill in Pyeongchang and grab gold from the resilient veteran? Or will the vet put the up-an-comer in her place? Again, only time will tell…