Ladies Figure Skating: Short Program – The world turns its focus to the most anticipated event in figure skating – the ladies’ competition, LIVE. South Korea’s Kim Yu-Na, known as “Queen Yu-Na”, will look to establish the lead with her electrifying, crowd-pleasing James Bond-themed short program. The 2009 world champion will be challenged by Japan’s Mao Asada, who plans to attempt the only triple Axel in the ladies competition in hopes of dethroning the queen, plus Canadian star Joannie Rochette and the next generation of United States women: newly-crowned national champion Rachael Flatt (Del Mar, Calif.) and the 2008 champ, Mirai Nagasu (Arcadia, Calif.).
Men’s Alpine Skiing: Giant Slalom Gold Medal Final – Team USA can claim two medal threats in this event: Bode Miller (Franconia, N.H.) won silver in the giant slalom eight years ago in Salt Lake City and Ted Ligety (Park City, Utah) claimed bronze at the 2009 World Championships. Austrian favorite Benni Raich is so beloved in his hometown he has a 310-foot pedestrian suspension bridge named after him. The spot is popular for bungee jumping, one of Raich’s favorite pastimes. Another is winning ski races, and he may be the man to beat.
Nordic Combined: Team Gold Medal Final 4x5km Relay portion – Johnny Spillane won Team USA’s first ever Olympic Nordic combined medal, when he won silver in the Individual K90 event last week. Also competing for Team USA, Bill Demong (Vermontville, N.Y.) and Todd Lodwick (Steamboat Springs, Colo.), who each won individual world titles last season.
Women’s Freestyle Skiing: Women’s Ski Cross Gold Medal Final – It’s the women’s turn in the Olympics newest action-packed event, with France’s Ophelie David, a former alpine skier who juggles competing with the responsibilities of motherhood, is the dominant competitor. Also watch for up-and-coming Canadian teen Julia Murray, daughter of the late Dave Murray, a Canadian alpine skiing standout for whom the 2010 Olympic downhill course is named.
NBC LATENIGHT:
Late night is highlighted by the women’s biathlon 4x6km relay gold medal final women’s bobsled competition. Also, ladies’ short program analysis and coverage of medals plaza and the award ceremonies.
