JUST WHEN YOU think the highlight of winter has vanished with the last scoop of stuffing, you realise it’s almost time for a quadrennial feast of snow and ice covered events.
Yes, come February 7 it will be like a sports Christmas all over again as Russia gathers up the best damn winter athletes on the planet.
Here’s why we’re counting the days.
1. The defiance of gravity
2. The drama
Because hurtling down an icy mountain at break-neck speed is kinda dangerous.
3. The big names
Like Lindsey.
And the force of nature that is Shaun White.
YouTube credit: olympicvancouver2010
4. And the new stars
Lindsey Vonn’s knee makes her unlikely to medal in Febrary, so look out for Maria Hoefl-Riesch and Tina Maze instead.
5. Faces in the crowd
Who is that mysterious bearded gent?
Press Association Images
6. The only dancing competition worth watching
“LOOK AT THE MENTAL THINGS THEY DO!” Says one defender of the Winter Olympic faith next to TheScore.ie’s desk.
YouTube credit: Hitadely Hitadely
7. The BBC’s coverage
RTE is great and all, but there’s nothing quite like seeing a broadcast done on location and the Beeb (while obviously having a disproportionate amount of British athletes featured, but that’s their job) are always knee-deep in any event they get their claws into.
8. Top class ice hockey on your TV screens
They’d do well to top the tension of the 2010 gold medal match.
YouTube credit: pdrocks13
9. Cool Runnings will definitely be on tele at some stage
10. The snowboarding never disappoints
11. Ski Cross is amazing
Press Association Images
12. The regular Olympics is still two and a half years away
13. We all develop a sudden interest in sweeping brushes and the technique with which they are used.
What events are you looking forward to most?
