20 International athletes to watch at the 2018 Olympic Games in PyeongChang
Sports: 2018 Olympics in PyeongChang
From South Korean skaters to 'Olympic Athletes from Russia': A snapshot look at some of the top medal prospects from outside of Canada at the Winter Games in South Korea
By Bev Wake
1. MARIT BJOERGEN, Cross-Country
Country: Norway
Born: March 21, 1980
Why you should watch: Already the most successful female athlete in Winter Olympic history — with 10 medals, including five gold — she’ll try to add to her collection in PyeongChang. She won three medals in Sochi, all gold, and despite missing time after those games to have a baby, there’s little indication she’s slowed down. She left the 2017 world championships with four medals, all gold, in the 10-km classic, 7.5km + 7.5km double pursuit, 4x5km relay and 30km freestyle. She is within three medals of Norwegian biathlete Ole Einar Bjorndalen’s 13 for most Winter Olympic medals all-time by an athlete, male or female.
2. CHOI MIN JEONG, Short Track
Country: South Korea
Born: Sept. ...
20 Canadian athletes to watch at the 2018 Olympic Games in PyeongChang
Sports: 2018 Olympics in PyeongChang
Veterans, comeback kids and the big question marks in mixed doubles curling: A snapshot look at some of Canada's top medal prospects at the Winter Games in South Korea
By Bev Wake
1. TED-JAN BLOEMEN, Speed Skating
Hometown: Leiderdorp, Netherlands
Born: Aug. 16, 1986
Why you should watch: He holds the world record over 5,000 metres and is ranked No. 1 in the world at both 5,000 and 10,000 metres. While he had disappointing results at the 2017 world single distance championships — finishing fifth in the 5,000 and fourth in the 10,000 — he has not finished off the podium at either distance in World Cup competition this season. In PyeongChang, he'll also compete in team pursuit, giving him a legitimate shot at three medals.
2. IVANIE BLONDIN, Speed Skating
Hometown: Ottawa
Born: April 2, 1990
Why you should watch: Her results on the World Cup circuit this season show she’s capable of reaching the podium in any of her four ...