Russia’s Irina Slutskaya, who missed most of the 2003-04 season, is back in top form. (AP)
Russian Irina Slutskaya missed most of the 2003-04 season because of a mysterious illness that caused great pain in her legs and was eventually diagnosed as vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels. The sickness came at a dreadful time because Slutskaya's mother, Natalya, began battling kidney disease shortly before Slutskaya's problem developed. Natalya received one kidney transplant but continues to wait for another, receiving dialysis three times a week.
Despite her continued worries about her mother's health and her own, Slutskaya put together one of her best seasons ever in 2004-05, winning the International Skating Union Grand Prix final and the world championships in Moscow. Slutskaya's surprising dominance last season made her the pre-Games favorite to claim the gold, particularly considering that Japan's Mao Asada, 15, did not meet the age requirement. Asada topped Slutskaya at this winter's International Skating Union Grand Prix Final.
Slutskaya should be challenged by American Sasha Cohen, the runner-up to Slutskaya at the 2005 world championships who seemed to be rounding into top form in January after missing the early part of the season with a hip injury. Michelle Kwan, who has battled hip and groin injuries and made the U.S. Olympic team by virtue of an injury petition, was considered a major question mark. American Kimmie Meissner, 16, could be a contender if she unveils her triple axel and skates without mistakes.
NEW FACE
Kyle Nissen, CanadaFreestyle skiing
Men's aerials
Nissen, 26, barely missed the cut for the 2002 Canadian team, which he called the biggest disappointment of his career. Nissen, who overcame a knee injury last season, secured his spot early this time around, taking the lead in the overall World Cup standings. He is at the forefront of a young generation of stars who are expected to kick off an impressive run for Canada as it steers toward the 2010 Winter Games, which Vancouver will host.
2002 FLASHBACK
CurlingGold medal match
In a thrilling victory over Switzerland, the British women won the nation's first gold medal in 18 years. The final came down to the last stone of the final end. Britain's Rhona Martin first knocked out a counting stone from Switzerland, then put her own stone close enough to the center of the rink to secure the 4-3 victory. Days later, the five-member team received a hero's welcome when it returned to Glasgow, Scotland.