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After four years of anticipation, it's finally time for the Winter Games in Sochi.
Since Vancouver, the winter Olympians have been hard at work preparing their craft, competing on smaller stages and making sure that they are 100 percent ready once the 2014 Games begin.
Now, as the world prepares for two weeks of triple axels, slopestyle and slalom, we take a look at some of the biggest storylines that Sochi has to offer.
Begin Slideshow »Since Vancouver, the winter Olympians have been hard at work preparing their craft, competing on smaller stages and making sure that they are 100 percent ready once the 2014 Games begin.
Now, as the world prepares for two weeks of triple axels, slopestyle and slalom, we take a look at some of the biggest storylines that Sochi has to offer.
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Lolo Jones is one of the least experienced winter sports athletes at these Games, but that doesn't keep her from being one of the most popular.
The two-time summer Olympian, who came up just short of the podium in 100-meter hurdles in Beijing and London, is now a pusher for the U.S. bobsled team.
Despite the controversy surrounding her nomination, the social media-savvy Jones will have all eyes on her as she strives for her moment of glory.
The two-time summer Olympian, who came up just short of the podium in 100-meter hurdles in Beijing and London, is now a pusher for the U.S. bobsled team.
Despite the controversy surrounding her nomination, the social media-savvy Jones will have all eyes on her as she strives for her moment of glory.
Alex Brandon/Associated Press
The Soviet Union used to dominate Olympic hockey, but Russia hasn't won hockey gold since 1988, and they haven't won any medal at all the last two Olympics.
That's quite a drought for the former powerhouse, which was humiliated by a sixth-place finish in Vancouver.
In Sochi, all of the hometown eyes will be on the talented Russian squad this year, led by NHL MVP Alex Ovechkin, to see if their fortunes can be reversed. But with Canada still the favorites for gold, it's going to be a tough task.
That's quite a drought for the former powerhouse, which was humiliated by a sixth-place finish in Vancouver.
In Sochi, all of the hometown eyes will be on the talented Russian squad this year, led by NHL MVP Alex Ovechkin, to see if their fortunes can be reversed. But with Canada still the favorites for gold, it's going to be a tough task.
Chris Carlson/Associated Press
Two of the most well-known Olympians on Team USA, Shani Davis and Shaun White, are both trying to do something no American has ever done in the Winter Olympics: three-peat.
Both will be going for their third straight Olympic gold medal in Sochi, Davis in the 1,000-meter speedskating competition and White in the snowboarding halfpipe.
They're both favorites headed into their respective events. But White will have his chance to make history first, as his event competes on Feb. 11. Davis will have to wait until Feb. 12.
Both will be going for their third straight Olympic gold medal in Sochi, Davis in the 1,000-meter speedskating competition and White in the snowboarding halfpipe.
They're both favorites headed into their respective events. But White will have his chance to make history first, as his event competes on Feb. 11. Davis will have to wait until Feb. 12.
Harry How/Getty Images
Shaun White is the overwhelming favorite to three-peat in the halfpipe competition, but these Olympic games present another challenge: slopestyle.
White dominated slopestyle earlier in his career, but stopped focusing on the event a few years ago to master the halfpipe. But, with slopestyle in the Games for the first time ever, he has rededicated himself to the downhill, trick-filled event.
The gold medal will likely come down to White and Canada's Mark McMorris.
White dominated slopestyle earlier in his career, but stopped focusing on the event a few years ago to master the halfpipe. But, with slopestyle in the Games for the first time ever, he has rededicated himself to the downhill, trick-filled event.
The gold medal will likely come down to White and Canada's Mark McMorris.
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
The comparisons are likely to get tiresome, but they're inevitable. With Lindsey Vonn out of Sochi, 18-year-old Shiffrin will have the lion's share of the spotlight in her Olympic debut.
She is already on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and that's only the beginning. The alpine skiing prodigy is the favorite to take gold in the slalom and is expected to medal in the giant slalom.
Of course, though she seems poised, the extent of her superstardom will depend on how well she handles the pressure.
She is already on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and that's only the beginning. The alpine skiing prodigy is the favorite to take gold in the slalom and is expected to medal in the giant slalom.
Of course, though she seems poised, the extent of her superstardom will depend on how well she handles the pressure.
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
The American women used to dominate Olympic figure skating, but four years ago in Vancouver, Team USA failed to medal.
Despite the controversy surrounding the formation of the team, Gracie Gold, Polina Edmunds and Ashley Wagner will all be trying to get the stars and stripes back onto the podium in Sochi.
While none of them are favorites, Wagner, the veteran who narrowly missed out on the 2010 team, and Gold, the 18-year-old powerhouse, have the best shots at a top-three finish.
Despite the controversy surrounding the formation of the team, Gracie Gold, Polina Edmunds and Ashley Wagner will all be trying to get the stars and stripes back onto the podium in Sochi.
While none of them are favorites, Wagner, the veteran who narrowly missed out on the 2010 team, and Gold, the 18-year-old powerhouse, have the best shots at a top-three finish.
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
This is the first year for the figure skating team trophy competition, and the jury is still out.
The competition will actually start the day before the Opening Ceremony and includes complicated rules for selections and substitutions. And, while the event gives figure skaters another shot at an Olympic medal, some worry it will tire the athletes out before their individual skates later in the Games.
We'll know soon enough whether this event will capture the magic that the team competition in gymnastics has or whether it's merely an afterthought.
The competition will actually start the day before the Opening Ceremony and includes complicated rules for selections and substitutions. And, while the event gives figure skaters another shot at an Olympic medal, some worry it will tire the athletes out before their individual skates later in the Games.
We'll know soon enough whether this event will capture the magic that the team competition in gymnastics has or whether it's merely an afterthought.
Mark Baker/Associated Press
The two most successful female figure skaters over the last seven years, South Korea's Kim Yu-Na and Japan's Mao Asada, are both retiring after Sochi.
The 23-year-olds have been friendly rivals since they were in their early teens, though Kim has often gotten the best of Asada on the biggest stages, including the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver where she won the gold and Asada took the silver.
But after divergent yet difficult paths since Vancouver, the two superstars are poised for one final showdown on their sport's biggest stage. Can Asada get her Olympic gold, or will Yu-Na come out on top again?
The 23-year-olds have been friendly rivals since they were in their early teens, though Kim has often gotten the best of Asada on the biggest stages, including the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver where she won the gold and Asada took the silver.
But after divergent yet difficult paths since Vancouver, the two superstars are poised for one final showdown on their sport's biggest stage. Can Asada get her Olympic gold, or will Yu-Na come out on top again?
Darko Bandic/Associated Press
Spain is far from a Winter Olympics powerhouse. The European country has only won two medals in the history of the Winter Games, and none of them have come in figure skating.
But 22-year-old Javier Fernandez is trying to change that. The two-time defending European Champion and bronze medalist from the 2013 world championships is a strong contender for a medal in men's figure skating.
Fernandez might train in Toronto, but Spain's flag bearer in Sochi is trying to put his native country on the figure-skating map.
But 22-year-old Javier Fernandez is trying to change that. The two-time defending European Champion and bronze medalist from the 2013 world championships is a strong contender for a medal in men's figure skating.
Fernandez might train in Toronto, but Spain's flag bearer in Sochi is trying to put his native country on the figure-skating map.
Jared Wickerham/Getty Images
Meryl Davis and Charlie White will try and win America's first ever ice-dancing gold.
The six-time national champions soared onto the international stage when they took the silver in Vancouver, and they've been nearly unbeatable ever since.
"We've had lot of great moments over the last four years and we feel we've put ourselves in a really great position to come home with the gold medal," White said, via USA Today's Nancy Armour.
The only dancers who have beaten them in the last four years are the defending Olympic Champions, Canadians Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. The two couples, who are also training partners, will be having a showdown on ice for the gold medal.
The six-time national champions soared onto the international stage when they took the silver in Vancouver, and they've been nearly unbeatable ever since.
"We've had lot of great moments over the last four years and we feel we've put ourselves in a really great position to come home with the gold medal," White said, via USA Today's Nancy Armour.
The only dancers who have beaten them in the last four years are the defending Olympic Champions, Canadians Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. The two couples, who are also training partners, will be having a showdown on ice for the gold medal.
David Zalubowski/Associated Press
Lindsey Jacobellis has been the best snowboard cross athlete for nearly a decade, but she's yet to be crowned on the Olympic stage.
At her Olympic debut back in 2006, the American messed up on an unnecessary trick right before the finish line, dropping her from gold to silver. In Vancouver, she was disqualified before the medal rounds.
Now 28, the eight-time X Games Champion is looking to finally get her much-deserved gold in Sochi.
At her Olympic debut back in 2006, the American messed up on an unnecessary trick right before the finish line, dropping her from gold to silver. In Vancouver, she was disqualified before the medal rounds.
Now 28, the eight-time X Games Champion is looking to finally get her much-deserved gold in Sochi.
Kostas Tsironis/Associated Press
The Sochi Olympics have become a battleground for gay rights, and tensions are high in the lead-up to the Games.
With Russia's new anti-gay laws in effect, banning what they consider "gay propaganda" of any kind, and the mayor of Sochi claiming that there are no gay people in his town, human rights activists have been trying to get sponsors, fans and athletes to boycott the Games.
But the show will go on. Russian president Vladimir Putin has said that the aforementioned law won't effect the Games, but it remains to be seen whether the controversy will erupt and take center stage.
With Russia's new anti-gay laws in effect, banning what they consider "gay propaganda" of any kind, and the mayor of Sochi claiming that there are no gay people in his town, human rights activists have been trying to get sponsors, fans and athletes to boycott the Games.
But the show will go on. Russian president Vladimir Putin has said that the aforementioned law won't effect the Games, but it remains to be seen whether the controversy will erupt and take center stage.
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Yevgeny Plushenko is back!
After winning a silver medal in Salt Lake City, a gold medal in Torino and a silver medal in Vancouver, the 31-year-old Russian is trying to become the first figure skater to make the podium in four straight Olympics.
Plushenko has struggled in a comeback from injury, was controversially awarded Russia's sole figure skating spot in the competition and is a long shot for a medal in front of his hometown crowd. But with Plushenko, anything is possible.
After winning a silver medal in Salt Lake City, a gold medal in Torino and a silver medal in Vancouver, the 31-year-old Russian is trying to become the first figure skater to make the podium in four straight Olympics.
Plushenko has struggled in a comeback from injury, was controversially awarded Russia's sole figure skating spot in the competition and is a long shot for a medal in front of his hometown crowd. But with Plushenko, anything is possible.
Darko Bandic/Associated Press
There are many events making Olympic debuts in Sochi.
The X Games events are continuing their Olympic takeover, with freestyle skiing adding halfpipe and slopestyle events for men and women. Snowboarding expansions will include slopestyle and snowboard parallel special slalom, both for men and women as well.
Additionally, women's ski jumping finally joins men's ski jumping as an Olympic event after the women have been fighting to be added to the Games since 1998.
There is also a biathlon mixed relay, luge team relay and a figure skating team event premiering in Sochi. Will they all stick? Or will they be just flashes in the Olympic pan?
The X Games events are continuing their Olympic takeover, with freestyle skiing adding halfpipe and slopestyle events for men and women. Snowboarding expansions will include slopestyle and snowboard parallel special slalom, both for men and women as well.
Additionally, women's ski jumping finally joins men's ski jumping as an Olympic event after the women have been fighting to be added to the Games since 1998.
There is also a biathlon mixed relay, luge team relay and a figure skating team event premiering in Sochi. Will they all stick? Or will they be just flashes in the Olympic pan?
Todd Korol/Getty Images
What a talented family! Justine (19), Chloe (22) and Maxime Dufour-Lapointe (24) are all competing for Team Canada in moguls in Sochi.
What's even more impressive is that they all actually have a shot at winning medals in Sochi in freestyle skiing moguls. The youngest, Justine, has the best shot, as she is ranked No. 2 in the world right now, but Chloe is No. 3 and Maxime is No. 5, so they're all in contention.
If they could pull off the amazing feat, they would be the first trio of sisters to sweep a podium.
What's even more impressive is that they all actually have a shot at winning medals in Sochi in freestyle skiing moguls. The youngest, Justine, has the best shot, as she is ranked No. 2 in the world right now, but Chloe is No. 3 and Maxime is No. 5, so they're all in contention.
If they could pull off the amazing feat, they would be the first trio of sisters to sweep a podium.
Associated Press
In one of the biggest stories heading into the Games, American biathlete Tracy Barnes gave up her spot on the Olympic team so that her twin sister Lanny, who was too ill to compete at the Olympic trials, could go to Sochi.
In her third Olympics, Lanny will be leading the largest Olympic biathlete team in American history.
The biathlon has always been an off-the-radar event for Americans, but with a nation cheering her on in the name of the Olympic spirit, Lanny will be trying to lead the team to prominence for the first time ever.
In her third Olympics, Lanny will be leading the largest Olympic biathlete team in American history.
The biathlon has always been an off-the-radar event for Americans, but with a nation cheering her on in the name of the Olympic spirit, Lanny will be trying to lead the team to prominence for the first time ever.
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Ted Ligety has had a phenomenal year, winning eight World Cup races in the giant slalom since the start of 2013 and claiming three gold medals at last year's world championships in Schladming, Austria.
Now, he's going for Olympic history as he tries to win a medal in super combined, giant slalom and super-G. While he's a favorite in the former two, the super-G is going to be his biggest test.
Still, on an alpine skiing team that's missing the star power of Vonn, and with Bode Miller not as great as he once was, Ligety's quest for skiing greatness is the star of the show.
Now, he's going for Olympic history as he tries to win a medal in super combined, giant slalom and super-G. While he's a favorite in the former two, the super-G is going to be his biggest test.
Still, on an alpine skiing team that's missing the star power of Vonn, and with Bode Miller not as great as he once was, Ligety's quest for skiing greatness is the star of the show.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Now in his fifth Olympics, American superstar Bode Miller rejuvenated his alpine skiing career in the months leading up to Sochi.
The controversial Miller already has five Olympic medals and is the most decorated American male in the history of alpine skiing, but he can add to his legacy at these Games.
After taking time off for a knee operation in 2012 and 2013, Miller is hitting his stride at the right time and is favored to medal in downhill.
The controversial Miller already has five Olympic medals and is the most decorated American male in the history of alpine skiing, but he can add to his legacy at these Games.
After taking time off for a knee operation in 2012 and 2013, Miller is hitting his stride at the right time and is favored to medal in downhill.
Harry How/Getty Images
The United States has never won a gold medal in cross-country skiing, but 2013 world champion Kikkan Randall is giving the nation reason to hope in Sochi.
In her fourth Olympics, the 31-year-old is trying to snap a 38-year medal drought for the U.S. and give Bill Koch's 1976 silver medal some company in the record books.
A ferocious competitor, the Alaskan excels at the freestyle sprint. Finally coming into her own after finishing off the podium the last three Games, Randall is the favorite for the gold this year.
In her fourth Olympics, the 31-year-old is trying to snap a 38-year medal drought for the U.S. and give Bill Koch's 1976 silver medal some company in the record books.
A ferocious competitor, the Alaskan excels at the freestyle sprint. Finally coming into her own after finishing off the podium the last three Games, Randall is the favorite for the gold this year.
Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sport
For the United States women's hockey team, nothing less than a gold medal in Sochi will do.
The defending world champions will have to get past Canada first, though. The Canadians have won the last three Olympic gold medals. In the same time span, the United States won two silvers and one bronze.
The fierce and physical North American rivalry hit a fever pitch with an epic fight in their encounter in October, but the U.S. comes into Sochi as the slight favorite and fully ready to exorcise past demons.
The defending world champions will have to get past Canada first, though. The Canadians have won the last three Olympic gold medals. In the same time span, the United States won two silvers and one bronze.
The fierce and physical North American rivalry hit a fever pitch with an epic fight in their encounter in October, but the U.S. comes into Sochi as the slight favorite and fully ready to exorcise past demons.
Christophe Pallot/Agence Zoom/Getty Images
Four years ago in Vancouver, Norwegian Marit Bjoergen won a Winter Olympic-record five medals in the Games. This year, she's attempting to win six.
She's favored to medal in all four of the individual cross-country events, and Norway is also favored in both team competitions. However, the 33-year-old rarely competes in the two-woman sprint, and it's unknown whether she will in Sochi.
Bjoergen is a four-time Olympian who already has seven medals to her name. If she were able to accomplish the heroic feat, she would become the most decorated Winter Olympian of all time.
She's favored to medal in all four of the individual cross-country events, and Norway is also favored in both team competitions. However, the 33-year-old rarely competes in the two-woman sprint, and it's unknown whether she will in Sochi.
Bjoergen is a four-time Olympian who already has seven medals to her name. If she were able to accomplish the heroic feat, she would become the most decorated Winter Olympian of all time.
Rick Bowmer/Associated Press
Canadian Kaillie Humphries is the queen of the bobsled right now. The 28-year-old is the defending Olympic Champion, world champion and two-time reigning World Cup champion.
But the best American hope for gold is nipping at her heels. Elana Meyers finished the World Cup year just one point below Humphries in the standings, and the bronze medal pusher from 2010 is ready to be a gold medal driver in 2014.
The margins separating the two in Sochi are going to be slim—if Humphries had finished her final World Cup race just 0.03 seconds slower, she would have lost her crown to Meyers. It's definitely a rivalry to watch.
But the best American hope for gold is nipping at her heels. Elana Meyers finished the World Cup year just one point below Humphries in the standings, and the bronze medal pusher from 2010 is ready to be a gold medal driver in 2014.
The margins separating the two in Sochi are going to be slim—if Humphries had finished her final World Cup race just 0.03 seconds slower, she would have lost her crown to Meyers. It's definitely a rivalry to watch.
Koki Nagahama/Getty Images
Every Winter Olympic year from 1964-2006, a Russian team won gold in pairs figure skating. Then, in 2010, the nation was kept off of the podium entirely.
Now, Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov, who joined forces right after the Vancouver Games, are trying to get Russia back to the top of the pairs podium in front of their home crowd.
With the Russian figure skating team weaker than in past years, all of the pressure will be on this team to win gold.
Now, Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov, who joined forces right after the Vancouver Games, are trying to get Russia back to the top of the pairs podium in front of their home crowd.
With the Russian figure skating team weaker than in past years, all of the pressure will be on this team to win gold.
Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports
Any time there's a large event such as the Olympics, safety is a big concern, but in Sochi, the threat of violence is much more palpable.
Sochi is located just 300 miles from Russia’s North Caucasus region, a center of Islamist extremist activity, and insurgents from that area have long threatened an attack on the Games.
Now, as rumors of "black widow" suicide bombers emerge and security breeches are confirmed, the U.S. Olympic Committee advised American athletes to not wear their Team USA gear outside the compound. Due to the concerns, many athletes are asking their friends and family to stay home.
Sochi is located just 300 miles from Russia’s North Caucasus region, a center of Islamist extremist activity, and insurgents from that area have long threatened an attack on the Games.
Now, as rumors of "black widow" suicide bombers emerge and security breeches are confirmed, the U.S. Olympic Committee advised American athletes to not wear their Team USA gear outside the compound. Due to the concerns, many athletes are asking their friends and family to stay home.
Felice Calabro'/Associated Press
Forty-year-old Ole Einar Bjoerndalen needs just two more medals in Sochi to pass Norwegian cross-country skier Bjorn Daehlie, who retired with 12 medals as the most decorated Winter Olympian of all time.
The Norwegian biathlete will compete in the men’s 4 x 7.5 kilometer relay at these Games, and he also might compete in the new mixed biathlon relay, though his participation in that is more uncertain.
If he does compete in both relays, he will likely make history since Norway is a medal favorite in both events. Norwegian cross-country skiier Marit Bjoergen and German speed skater Claudia Pechstein also both have outside chances at winning medal No. 13 in Sochi.
The Norwegian biathlete will compete in the men’s 4 x 7.5 kilometer relay at these Games, and he also might compete in the new mixed biathlon relay, though his participation in that is more uncertain.
If he does compete in both relays, he will likely make history since Norway is a medal favorite in both events. Norwegian cross-country skiier Marit Bjoergen and German speed skater Claudia Pechstein also both have outside chances at winning medal No. 13 in Sochi.
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Sochi 2014: Canadian men’s hockey team heating up
Scoring depth bodes well for Sochi Olympic tournament.
Elise Amendola / The Associated Press file
Canadian Olympians Patrice Bergeron of the Bruins and John Tavares of the Islanders battle on New Year's Eve.
It’s safe to say just about every member of the Canadian Olympic men’s hockey team heading to Sochi has been on a hot streak of late. Here’s a look at who’s hot — and the very few who are not — through Saturday’s games:
Forwards
Ryan Getzlaf, Ducks: 15 points in last 12 games. Tied career high of 25 goals in his 47th game. Blocked five shots vs. Chicago Jan. 18.
Corey Perry, Ducks: 13 points in last 12 games. Hasn’t been held scoreless in back-to back-games since Nov. 20-22.
Sidney Crosby, Penguins: Team Canada captain and NHL’s leader in points and assists has been held pointless just five times since the end of November.
Chris Kunitz, Penguins: Crosby’s linemate has 16 points in last 15 games and will easily shatter career highs of 25 goals and 61 points.
Jonathan Toews, Blackhawks: Has 12 points in 15 games since torrid December.
Patrice Bergeron, Bruins: Diligent worker has four multi-point games since mid-January.
John Tavares, Islanders: Second only to Crosby in scoring race after 25 points in 18 games since Christmas.
Matt Duchene, Avalanche: One goal in last 20 games — rookie teammate Nathan MacKinnon has more this season. Assists keep him among NHL’s top 25 scorers.
Jamie Benn, Stars: First-time Olympian played his way onto team with speed and skill. 13 points in last 10 games, including four vs. Leafs on Jan. 23.
Patrick Sharp, Blackhawks: Nearing third straight 30-goal season, notched hat tricks one week apart just after Christmas.
Jeff Carter, Kings: No goals in six games after scoring in four straight. Solid since returning from injured reserve (foot) in December.
Patrick Marleau, Sharks: Unheralded 35-year-old steady producer, seven points in last 10 games.
Steven Stamkos, Lightning: Still working way back from broken leg suffered in November.
Rick Nash, Rangers: Finding form after early-season concussion, seven goals in last seven games.
Defencemen
Shea Weber, Predators: Fourth among NHL defencemen in scoring with 38 points including two-goal game Jan. 31, logging 26-plus minutes a night.
Alex Pietrangelo, Blues: Tied with Weber in points, 14 in 15 games since New Year’s Day.
Jay Bouwmeester, Blues: On pace to surpass career high for points: 46, with the 2006 Panthers.
Drew Doughty, Kings: One goal since Dec. 11.
Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Sharks: Defence-first shot blocking whiz held pointless since Jan. 9.
Dan Hamhuis, Canucks: Logginged more than 30 minutes of ice time in several games during injury to teammate Alex Edler. One point since Jan. 7.
Duncan Keith, Blackhawks: Second among NHL point-getters on defence, third overall in assists with 45 in 56 games — on par with Norris Trophy season in 2009-10.
P.K. Subban, Canadiens: Norris Trophy winner has one goal in last 14 games, but 29 assists tied for fourth among NHL D-men. Says he has envisioned himself; gold medal in hand, standing between Crosby and goalie Carey Price at centre ice in Sochi.
Goalies
Carey Price, Canadiens: Blanked Carolina 3-0 on 36 saves to snap four-game losing skid last Tuesday night. Among NHL top 10 in most major categories and the hottest of Canada’s three goalies.
Roberto Luongo, Canucks: Lost three of last four starts. Consensus No. 1 when team was announced in December may have lost that status.
Mike Smith, Coyotes: Workhorse leads NHL in games, saves and shots faced. Four wins in last 12 starts.
On the Bubble
Top injury-fill candidates:
Joe Thornton, Sharks: Playmaker held off scoresheet last four games.
Martin St. Louis, Lightning: four assists in six games since four-goal explosion vs. Sharks.
Tyler Seguin, Stars: Three goals in three games since 12-game drought.
