The USA! USA! of Blogs

On Day 1 of Olympic Competition, there are two things to watch: Men's Downhill Skiing and Men's Olympic 1500m Short Track Speed Skating.

Men's Downhill: Saturday, Feb. 13. TV: NBC 8pm PST

With conditions causing training cancellations skiers will be hitting the slopes with less practice than desired. The Canadian speed skiers have been on fire and bring a top notch team full of veterans and World Cup winners, including Manuel Osborne-Paradis and Robbie Dixon. The US team has struggled lately but still brings a strong team, including crowd favorite Bode Miller, who also has the team's only top-ten finish this season; 4th in Beaver Creek.

Men's 1500m Short Track: Saturday, Feb. 13 TV: NBC 8pm PST

Apolo Ohno is one of the 2010 Olympic poster boys, and for good reason. With a dominating record in Short Track he could become the most decorated Short Track skater in history. Standing in his way is South Korea's Lee Ho-Suk.

"My personal goal is to win the gold in the 1,500m and 1,000m as well as the 500m events, with hopes of winning the relay too," Lee said.

Ohno will have home ice advantage, he said.

"I'm very comfortable here. I feel like this is a second home. There is a lot of similarities between Vancouver and Seattle," Ohno said.

Ohno has won two gold, one silver and two bronze in the last two Olympics. A feat matched by five other retired skaters. Two medals would move him past Bonnie Blair as the winter Olympian with the most medals.