Things to Watch at the Vancouver Olympics

To begin my comprehensive Vancouver coverage with previews of each day's key medal events and reviews of each day's goings on. Here are some of the most important things to keep an eye on during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Lindsey Vonn's Shin
After a week when all sportscasters talked about was Dwight Freeney's ankle, Vonn, the top American hopeful in skiing, revealed that she a muscle bruise in her shin and she might not be able to ski at all in Vancouver. Up until the downhill events on Sunday, all cameras will be on Vonn and if she is able to participate.
Opening Ceremonies
After the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, the opening ceremonies have been taken to a new level that most likely be reached ever again. The amazing acrobatics and show put on by the Chinese will not be matched by the Canadians. Since everyone will compare every opening ceremony to Beijing's from now on, the opening ceremony has become something to watch for more than the parade of athletes.
Vancouver's Weather Forecast
With all of the snow in the American Northeast, Vancouver is getting rain in their forecast instead of snow. The main concern is Cypress Mountain overlooking Vancouver where the snowboarding and skiing events will take place. With temperatures in the forties and rain being forecasted the snow being flown in may not hold for the beginning of the events on Sunday.
Shaun White's Domination of the Halfpipe
The Flying Tomato is the biggest guarantee of a gold medal for America. White completely obliterated his competion at the X Games a few weeks ago after faceplanting into the halfpipe. Without a faceplant this time around, White will be no short of dominant and should take home his second Olympic Gold Medal.
Lindsey Jacobellis
The American snowboarder was embrassed in Torino in 2006 after showboating over the last jump in snowboard cross and falling, ending up in 2nd. Jacobellis will be out to get gold this time around and has all the motivation in the world to correct her mistake from Torino.
Ski Jumping
This may be one of the most underrated sports at the Winter Olympics. Skiiers flying almost 200 feet in the air with ease just amazes spectators and is one of the first events to award a medal this weekend. Look for the strong Austrian team to sweep the medals with contention from Simon Amman of Switzerland and Adam Malysz of Poland, who could retire at the end of the Vancouver Games.