This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at BC chapter.

The Olympics are already underway, and there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the various problems in Sochi. However, it is important not to forget about the most crucial part of the Olympic games: the athletes themselves! Here are a few that you should look out for while you watch your favorite events.

J.R. Celski – Speed Skater

In the absence of Apolo Ohno in this year’s winter games, we must look to his prodigy to fill the hole in our hearts. Celski competes in the 500m, 1000m, and the 1500m Short Track events. And remember you can still catch Apolo as a guest broadcaster during the games this year.

Shaun White – Snowboarder

We all remember Shaun White for bringing the USA two gold medals in the past two winter Olympics in 2006 and 2010. This year he was supposed to compete in the Slopestyle competition, but dropped out at the last second to concentrate on half-pipe, so we are expecting big things from you Shaun (even without your big hair!).

Todd Lodwick – Nordic Combined Skier

Lodwick led Team USA to the opening ceremony as the flag bearer. This is his sixth and final Olympic games, and he is actually the first American Winter Olympian to compete in six games because he started when he was only 17!

Julia Marino – Slopestyle Skier

Marino is the sole member of Paraguay’s Winter Olympic Team this year; in fact she is the first person in history to compete for Paraguay in the Winter Olympics. She has actually lived in Winchester, MA for most of her life, but she was adopted form Paraguay as an infant. She went through a lengthy process to convince Paraguay to let her compete for them.

Winston Watts & Marvin Dixon – Bobsledders

The Jamaican bobsled team is back after a 12-year hiatus! Jamaica made its Olympic debut in 1988 and garnered a lot of fame from the movie Cool Runnings. After a few rough years, it is exciting to have the Jamaicans back competing and trying to win back their legacy.

Prince Hubertus von Hohenlohe – Alpine Skier

Another one-man team, von Hohenlohe has been competing for Mexico for many years. He isn’t expecting to win any medals but is most well known for his fashion choices. This year he is rocking a Mariachi style speed suit.

So keep an eye out for these athletes of interest and hopefully we will see some new rising stars during the games this year!!

Sources:

http://www.kansascity.com/2014/02/03/4795621/2014-winter-olympians-to-watch.html

http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/02/08/3919679/jamaican-bobsled-team-back-at.html

http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/

http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/sports/2014/02/06/sochi-olympics-paraguayan-american-julia-marino-is-making-history-in-slopestyle/

http://www.theatlanticcities.com/arts-and-lifestyle/2014/01/mexicos-olympic-ski-team-one-guy-mariachi-suit/8258/

Photo Sources:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/12/magazine/the-flying-tomato-would-rather-you-not-call-him-that-anymore.html?_r=0

http://www.muscleandbodymag.com/features/american-dreaming/

http://msn.foxsports.com/olympics/story/who-is-us-olympic-flagbearer-todd-lodwick-020514

http://xgames.espn.go.com/skiing/article/10152962/slopestyle-skier-julia-marino-become-paraguay-first-winter-olympic-athlete