In the snow-covered hills of Torino, Italy, tourists frolic to this winter wonderland in light of the XX Winter Olympic Games. This event, with the population having quadrupled in size, will bring new hope to this small alpine-laced town.

The United States, always a world favorite, is one of a few countries that have received many medals. This includes seven gold, four silver, and three bronze, thanks to the team having one of the highest number of athletes this year.

One of the biggest controversies of this season was the dropout of Michelle Kwan, a key member of the women’s figure skating team. Kwan called it quits on Sunday, February 12 at 2:15 am. She had suffered a groin injury during practice the day before. Team doctor Jim Moeller confirmed that she should not participate. “It’s one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make,” stated Kwan at a press conference that day. “But I know it’s the right one.” She will be replaced by Emily Hughes, the sister of 2002 Olympic gold medallist Sarah Hughes. This will most likely be Kwan’s last trip to the Olympics.

As one of America’s most loved Olympic heroes, Apolo Anton Ohno returns as one of our top speedskaters. At age 23, he won the bronze medals for the Men’s 1000 M race. First place winner, Korean Hyun-Soo Ahn, is known in the U.S. mostly for his disqualification in the 2002 Olympics. He was charged with touching Apolo during a race, causing him to fall and land in second. With Ahn disqualified, Apolo won the gold.

Another well-known athlete new to the team this year is 19 year old Shaune White, also known as the “flying tomato.” He is previously a four-time X Games gold medalist, and has blown all of his competitors away in his competition. This luck brought him the gold medal for Men’s Halfpipe, at 46.8 points.

As snowboard cross is first introduced into the Olympics, Lindsey Jacobellis, a hopeful snowboard racer, disappointed many as she won the silver medal instead of gold. With a home stretch to the finish line, she decided to make a risky, yet simple, trick over a jump, causing her to land incorrectly and fall. The 20-year-old was only able to grab silver.

Finally, Chad Hedrick wins the award for most improved. An inline skater since he could walk, this man did not start speed skating until three years ago. Yet, he still managed to win a gold medal in the Men’s 5000 M.