Today at the Olympics: US seeks first two-man bobsled medal since 1936; White, Davis, look to win gold in ice dancing
Each day throughout the Winter Olympics, we'll bring you a daily rundown on what to expect and a look at key story lines in Sochi.
What to watch today, Monday, Feb. 17
While you were sleeping (spoilers):
It has been a slow day in Sochi thus far, with medal events taking place later in the day. In curling, Korea smoked the US women, 11-2, while the men were down, 2-0 to Switzerland as of 6 a.m. (5 a.m., USA Network).
Medal watch:
Driver Steve Holcomb, and push man Steve Langton, from Melrose, look to become the first two-man US bobsled team to medal since 1936. After two heats, the pair currently sits in third place. The final two heats will take place later this morning and can be seen as part of NBC’s primetime coverage Monday night (or, beginning at 9:30 a.m., streamed, as all events can be on NBCOlympics.com).
In ice hockey, the US men were one of four teams to receive a bye into the next round with their eight points, but things start getting serious for the women Monday, when they take on Sweden in the semifinal round (7:30 a.m., NBCSN). Canada will face Switzerland in its semifinal showdown (Noon, MSNBC).
The free dance in ice dancing takes place later this morning as well (10 a.m., NBC Sports Network), with Americans Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani, Madison Chock and Evan Bates, in the mix, but it’s the US’s Meryl Davis and Charlie White who lead the way with a score of 78.89 ( a world record), and are line for the country’s first ice dancing gold.
In freestyle skiing, Connecticut’s Mac Bohonnon is among the competitors (3 p.m., NBC), while Nate Holland, Nick Baumgartner, and Trevor Jacob all chase medals in snowboard cross. On Monday morning, the event was postponed until Tuesday due to foggy conditions. The biathlon men’s 15K mass start was also postponed.
In ski jumping, the US will soar second as the men’s team jump takes place (1:30 p.m., NBCSN).
Tweets from the athletes:
Amanda Kessel as her team gets set for the semifinals:
Went from this, to now playing in the Olympic SEMI - FINALS! so excited to take on Team Sweden today at 4:30. #USA pic.twitter.com/zmV664OwcM
— Amanda Kessel (@AmandaKessel8) February 17, 2014
Skater Maia Shibutani:
I have the best roommate! Got back late last night, and this was waiting for me. 😊 @GraceEGold #Sochi2014 #TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/7xyyym2Pal
— Maia Shibutani (@MaiaShibutani) February 17, 2014
Andrew Weibrecht on his silver in the men’s Super G:
This didn't happen by mistake and by that I mean thank you to everyone who supported me. #Beleiveinus pic.twitter.com/WZcx8kqbXY
— Andrew Weibrecht (@a_weibrecht) February 16, 2014
Bode Miller’s wife, Morgan, after the skier made history with a bronze medal in the Super G:
That smile makes this all worth it. #BRONZE #SOCHI2014 http://t.co/WXkFTqMZhm
— Morgan Miller (@MorganEBeck) February 16, 2014
From Johnny Moseley to Mac Bohonnon:
@MacBohonnon and I just a few years ago! He competes on the 17th in aerials. pic.twitter.com/y7v3UBWtjX
— Jonny Moseley (@jonnymoseley) February 15, 2014
Photo of the day:
Phil Kessel had 3 goals in Team USA's 5-1 victory over Slovenia. He now leads the tournament with 7 points in 3 GP. pic.twitter.com/rCyNemReB3
— Leafs Stats Guy (@LeafsStatsGuy) February 16, 2014
Olympics bloggers
Look for updates, news, analysis and commentary from the following reporters:.- Dan Egan, Boston.com blogger
- John Powers, Globe staff
- Shira Springer, Globe staff
- Scott Thurston, Globe staff