45 Days

Gold medal favorite, American Lindsey Vonn hurt her arm in a skiing race yesterday in Austria at a world cup event. She initially thought she broke her arm, but it turns out to be just a bone bruise. With her arm in a sling, Vonn competed in the slalom event today, finishing 18th out of 30th. Yesterday, many questions arose as to whether or not she would compete today and how her injury would effect her quest for Olympic gold. Vonn has been doing so well this season, that even without finishing the race yesterday, she still remains in the lead in the World Cup standings.

As is the Olympic custom since the Innsbruck Games in 1964, the Olympic torch was lit in Olympia, Greece, the home of the ancient Olympics, on October 22. The torch, which may only be lit via sunlight off of a metal reflector, was handed off to the first torchbearer and began its travels through Greece. After eight days in Greece, the torch was handed over to the Vancouver Olympic Committee. From there, it began its 106 day, 45,000 kilometer route throughout Canada. On February 12, the final torchbearer will reach the Opening Ceremonies and light the Olympic flame which will remain lit throughout the entire Olympic games.

The longest event in short track speed skating is the 5000 meter relay, in which only men participate. The race consists of 4 players on each team who take turns skating 45 laps. At the 2006 Turino Olympics, the South Korean team won the gold medal. Canada placed second and the U.S. team, led by Apolo Ohno, came in third. Prior to that, both the Olympic and World records had been held by Canada. Come February, you can be sure the Canadian team will be looking to take back the gold in front of their home country. And of course, Apolo Ohno can never be counted out.