The Olympic Games. There’s nothing more thrilling than the biennial sports festival where nations from across the globe compete for gold medals—and world victory. As fitness enthusiasts we love the Olympics because they unite us as Americans and inspire us as individuals. It’s exciting to watch sports that aren’t normally on television—like luge racing and curling—and fascinating to learn about the athletes who spend their entire lives training for Olympic glory. It’s these athletes, and their heartwarming stories of triumph and failure, who make the games so memorable. Although we can’t predict who will be the stars of the 2018 Winter Olympics, we can tell you who we’ll be watching. Here are six Olympians who should be on your radar.
Mikaela Shiffrin, Alpine Skier
Although she’s only 22, Mikaela Shiffrin has been skiing competitively since she was 15. In seven short years, Shiffrin has come to dominate the sport with The New Yorker calling her the best slalom skier in the world. However, she recently choked during the World Cup—failing to finish for the first time this season. It was the final race before she heads to PyeongChang, so hopefully the Colorado native’s nerves will calm down. She will compete in multiple races and we’ll be rooting for this powerhouse.
Nathan Chen, Figure Skater
The PyeongChang Games will be 18-year old figure skater Nathan Chen’s first Olympic appearance. The skating star from Salt Lake City currently holds the US Championship title. During that competition, which was earlier this month, Chen became the first male figure skater ever to land five quadruple jumps in a single performance. He’s an amazing athlete, graceful performer, and the biggest hopeful for US gold when it comes to skating.
Maame Biney, Speed Skating
17-year old Maame Biney was born in Ghana, but moved to the United States when she was five. At age six, she tied on her first pair of skates. The speed skater was so excited when she qualified for the Olympic team that she lost her balance, pumping her arms in enthusiasm, and fell to her butt on the ice. However, her huge smile proved that she’s not afraid to fall and pick herself back up. Biney is the first black woman to represent the U.S. in the sport of speed skating.
Gus Kenworthy, Skier
At the 2014 Olympic Games, Gus Kenworthy won the silver medal for freestyle skiing. However, it wasn’t until a year later, in 2015, that Kenworthy’s life really changed. That’s when the skiing champ came out as gay in a poignant piece by ESPN. Although he was worried that publicly announcing his sexual preferences would hinder his career, the opposite happened. His teammates rallied around him. The LGBTQ community supports him and his desire to be an inspiration to young gay kids. And he’s skiing better than ever.
Elana Meyers Taylor, Bobsledding
Bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor was born in Oceanside, California, not exactly a place known for its chilly winters. In fact, when the athlete starting taking bobsledding lessons in 2007, she didn’t even own a winter coat. As a child she would rush down hills on a skateboard lying on her stomach or back, so in many ways, the sport called to her. PeyongChang will be her third Olympics—she won the bronze in 2010 and the silver in 2014. Will the third time be the charm for the 33-year old bobsledder? Only time will tell.
Shaun White, Snowboarder
Snowboarder Shaun White made his Olympic debut in 2006. With his wild red hair, thrilling snowboarding style, and gold medal win, White quickly became a sensation. He returned in 2010 to win the half-pipe event again, but failed to medal in 2014. He recently scored a perfect 100 at the U.S. Grand Prix event, which qualified him for this year’s games. Although he was once known as the Flying Tomato, White has matured and now simply goes by his name.
Ready to channel your inner Olympian? Meet with one of the Bay Club’s expert personal trainers to customize your workout routine.