The Winter Olympics aren't as elderly as it's summer brethren. The First winter games were held in 1924, in Chamonix Frances. The five original sports consisted of: Bobsleding, Curling, Ice Hockey, and Nordic Skiing - (Military Patrol, Cross Country Skiing, Nordic Combined, Ski Jumping, and Skating.) The Winter Games were held every four years from 1924-36, only to be interrupted by WWII, before returning in 1948. Winter Olympics have been held in over eleven different countries and on three different continents.
No I can't ski, figure skate, curl, or bobsled. What I can do: appreciate the hard work, commitment, and sacrifice of athletes who compete at the highest levels. What higher level is there to compete, than at the Olympics? History is literalIy made at the Winter Olympics. Dick Button was the first American skater to win Olympic gold in 48' and 52'. Peggy Fleming overcame the death of her coach (Bill Kipp) in a plane crash, to win gold in Brussels at the 61' games. 
America's Dorothy Hamill brought home the gold medal in women's figure skating during the 76' games in Innsbrook Austria. The "Miracle on Ice" saw the 1980 US men's hockey team knockoff the vaunted Soviet's, en route to the gold medal. In the 92' games, Toni Nieminen of Finland, became the youngest Winter Olympic gold medalist at age 16.
I remember sitting in front of the television cheering on Italy's Alberto Tomba as he raced down a snowy hill; ultimately winning the Men's Giant Slolam during the 88' games in Calgary. I sat in amazement watching the excellence of the Ukraine's Oksana Baiul, who won ladies singles gold in Lillehammer Norway in 94'. I was astounded by the unbelievable courage of Austrian downhiller Herman Maier. Maier survived an early crash, then went on to win gold in the Super G and Giant Slolam, during the 98' games. I marveled at the beauty and grace of the 92' gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi's performance in the ladies single figure skating compitetion.
Underdog stories at the Winter Olympics become legendary. The Jamaican bobsled team became famous during the 88' games. The Jamaicans were the first team from a tropical nation to compete at the winter games. American speed skater Shani Davis became the first black athlete to win an individual gold medal (1000m) in 06' in Turin Italy; and again winning in 2010 at the Vancouver games. 
I reiterate, history is made during the Olympics.
I must admit that I watch the Winter Olympics as I do the summer games; with my heart firmly invested in the American athletes that are competing. The list of great American Olympians include: Dan Jansen, Brian Boitano, Picabo Street, Lindsay Vonn, Shaun White, Bonnie Blair, Eric Heiden, Scott Hamilton, and Michelle Kwan; just to name several. When an American medals in an event, it brings me a sense of national pride. What can I say but; USA USA USA!
The closing ceremonies of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi Russia has me a bit melancholy. I have to wait four more years to witness history. Until then, athletes will train and sacrifice for the chance to represent countries at the next winter games; in PyeonChang South Korea. No I can't ski, skate, or bobsled. What I can do is patiently wait for the next group of Winter Olympians to live vicariously through. Until then, I'll leave you with this quote.
“Focus, discipline, hard work, goal setting and, of course, the thrill of finally achieving your goals.
These are all lessons in life.”
–Kristi Yamaguchi, gold medalist in figure skating
Great article. Brings back a lot of memories and makes me hopeful to see magic happen again in four more years.
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