A Quick Q&A

Ahhhh, snow.

Not the backbreaking substance we get to shovel off our driveways or the material that turns morning commutes into nightmares. I'm referring to the variety Olympic dreams are made of.

The 18th edition of the Winter Olympic Games kicks off tonight in Salt Lake City, Utah in front of thousands of spectators and millions of TV viewers around the world. It marks the fourth time the Winter Games have been presented in the US and the first time they have returned to North America since the Calgary games in 1988.

However, some questions remain.

Who'll light the torch?

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani seems to be the emotional favourite this year but some other nods would have to go to George Dub'ya or a random member of the New York Fire Department. I also wouldn't count out a long shot like Mike Eruzione who captained the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" squad that won Olympic Gold in men's ice hockey at Lake Placid.

Who'll win the most medals?

While the US certainly has host-nation motivation the three usual suspects, Germany, Norway and Russia will probably once again dominate the medal standings. But don't count out the North American teams. Look for Canada to improve on their fifth place finish at Nagano and bump the Austrians out of fourth. The US is a strong lock to round out the top five.

Who's under the most pressure to perform?

This was a tough call that came down to two worthy finalists. Do you pick the Canadian men's hockey team or the SLOC security force? Obviously the security at these games will be without parallel over anything previously witnessed. However, the security forces will have the assistance of numerous federal, state and international agencies. If the Canadian men don't win their first gold in 50 years everything else Canadian Olympians pull off is for nothing. Nothing like a little peer pressure to add to your day!

What should you watch?

The rule of thumb here is speed, speed and more speed. Hockey, ski jumping, downhill skiing, speed skating, bobsled, luge and skeleton are more than worth the wait.

What should you avoid?

Anything that has to be performed to music. And curling. While full contact curling on skates might be fun most of these "athletes" are in worse shape than me.

Will someone be explaining the cultural and historical significance of biathlon?

No.

Will there be a repeat of the Ross Rebagliati saga?

Unfortunately, Mr. Rebagliati did not compete on the 2000 World Cup Snowboarding Tour and lost his place on the Canadian national team. He also failed in his efforts over the last season to earn a spot. Add to that the fact he was recently denied entry to the US by a dutiful customs worker on the grounds he previously smoked marijuana. It is rumoured that Mr. Rebagliati is currently pursuing his real-estate licence. Also don't look for any Eddie "the Eagle" impersonators either. The IOC adopted stringent minimum requirements for all of its events after the Calgary games.

How do I sign up to watch?

Consult your local listings. Park yourself on the nearest sofa, sit back and enjoy the show.