Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Jamaica

69 days remaining until the opening ceremonies (68 until the first day of competition) at Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Jamaica.

Jamaica made their winter Olympics debut at Calgary 1988, and has sent at least one athlete to every winter games since.

Jamaica will be remembered for their debut effort at Calgary in the four man bobsled. It was the courage of the team qualifying for those games that was a true inspiration. However, on one of their attempts, the team crashed, and did not log a time. However they did salute the crowd as they walked up the hill toward the finish line. The team's efforts also inspired a film, Cool Runnings, which was based on their journeys towards Calgary. The film was released theatrically in 1994 (by Walt Disney Pictures here in the states).

Since Calgary, Jamaica's winter games efforts have been mostly in bobsleigh events. No medals were won.

As of now, no Jamaican quota spots for Sochi, but could change.

Up next: Japan

Friday Jukebox: 11.29.13

Anything Ian Standerwick turns is into gold. Hence, here another one of his stunning remixes that he has delivered this year. After hearing this on Armin van Buuren's A State of Trance #639, this is yet another stunner in the trance world. It is Ian's remix of "Won't Let You Go." Take a listen!

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Italy

70 days remaining until the opening ceremonies (69 until the first day of competition) of Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Italy.

Italy made their winter Olympics debut at Chamonix 1924, and has sent athletes to every winter games ever since. The Italian contingent won 106 medals in the winter Olympics including 37 gold medals.

When it comes to Italy in the winter Olympics, the one name most synonymous with these games is the performance of Alberto Tomba, who won three gold medals in these winter games. He won two in the giant slalom at Calgary 1988 and Albertville 1992, and in the slalom at Calgary 1988. He along with Deborah Compagnoni are the only three time winter Olympic gold medalists for Italy. Compagnoni won three gold medals herself, and just like Tomba, she did it on the hills as well. Her first gold was in the super G at Albertville 1992, and followed it up with two giant slalom gold wins at Lillehammer 1994 and Nagano 1998.

Eight Italians have won two gold medals each in the winter Olympics. One of the most recent is speed skater Enrico Fabris (pictured), who won twice--in the 1500m and as a member of the 8 lap team pursuit--at Turin 2006. He joins seven others in achieving that feat:

• Luciano de Paolis, bobsleigh, men, two and four member, Grenoble 1968
• Eugenio Monti, bobsleigh, men, two and four member, Grenoble 1968
• Paul Hildgartner, luge, men, mixed singles, Sapporo 1972 & men's singles, Sarajevo 1984
• Stefania Belmondo, cross country, women, 30km, Albertville 1992 & 15km, Salt Lake City 2002
• Manuela di Lenta, cross country, women, 15km & 30km, Lillehammer 1994
• Armin Zoggeler, luge, men, singles, Salt Lake City 2002 & Turin 2006
• Giorgio di Centa, cross country, men, 30km & 4x10km relay team member, Turin 2006

As of now, 14 quota spots for Sochi available, including in biathlon, speed skating and short track speed skating.

Italy was the host country for two winter Olympics games: the first at Cortina d'Ampezzo 1956 and the most recent at Turin 2006.

Up next: Jamaica

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'd like to take this time and say, to all my readers out there...

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 



Tony Musante, 77

Link.

Toma was a one season wonder on ABC for the 1973-74 season. Robert Blake took over his role and his character was also renamed. Hence, Baretta.

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Israel

71 days remaining until the opening ceremonies (70 until the first day of competition) at Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Israel.

Israel made their winter Olympics debut at Lillehammer 1994, and has sent athletes to the winter games ever since. The Israeli contingent mostly competed in figure skating events, though no medals were won.

As of now, five quota spots for Israel at Sochi, including in men's short track figure skating.

Up next: Italy

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Ireland

72 days remaining until the opening ceremonies (71 until the first day of competition) at Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Ireland.

Ireland made their winter Olympics debut at Albertville 1992, and has sent athletes to every winter Olympic games with the exception of Lillehammer 1994. The Irish contingent competed mostly in bobsleigh events, however no medals were won.

As of now, no Irish representation for Sochi, but could change.

Up next: Israel

NEW Canadian NHL TV Deal: TSN Out, Sportsnet Returns, CBC Still Alive!

Link.

This means after this season, TSN will no longer do national NHL broadcasts across Canada, which they have done, starting with the 1987-88 season (remember that black and yellow logo?) until 2000-01, before SportsNet took over. They have done NHL national telecasts across Canada since 2005-06 (the post-lockout season). However they will remain with Jets and Habs local telecasts. So TSN is NOT completely out of the NHL picture.

 

 

SportsNet is no stranger to Canadian national TV broadcasts of NHL games. From 2001 until 2004 they were the national cable carrier for NHL telecasts across Canada. However it is Rogers' (parent company) multi faceted platform that was the main decision for the league to sway away from TSN after this season.

 



However the one thing not changing about the Canadian NHL deal: CBC will remain the FTA home of the NHL, similar to NBC here in the states. This will continue the long standing deal between the CBC and the NHL dating back to the 1953-54 season, as their telecasts of NHL hockey remains the longest running tenure that a broadcast network has with a league or event. HNIC is currently in its 61st season, and is the only NHL broadcaster currently with regional action just about every week (NBC will do this every once in a while, and Fox and ABC used to do it when they had NHL rights).

So there you go folks. The NBC/NBCSN deal will remain unchanged. TSN will still also have IIHF events, so hockey isn't going nowhere from TSN.

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Iran

73 days remaining until the opening ceremonies (72 until the first day of competition) at Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Iran.

Iran made their winter Olympics debut at Cortina d'Ampezzo 1956, and has competed at every winter Olympic games with the exception of Squaw Valley 1960, and from Lake Placid 1980 until Lillehammer 1994. They have sent athletes to the winter games since Nagano 1998. Most of the Iranian contingent in the winter games competed in Alpine events, however no medals were won.

As of now, no participation for Sochi on behalf of Iran, but could change.

Up next: Ireland

Rider Pride is Alive and Well: Riders 2013 Grey Cup Champions!

Very dominating match. Kory Sheets MVP with the Grey Cup rushing record, and Chris Getzlaf with the Most Valuable Canadian. Pop open a Pilsner Saskatchewan!

 

RIDER PRIDE! 

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: India

74 days remaining until the opening ceremonies (73 until first day of competition) of Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: India.

India made their winter Olympics debut at Chamonix 1924, but didn't return to the winter games until Innsbruck 1964. From Grenoble 1968 to Calgary 1988, they were idle, until their return to Albertville 1992. They also skipped Lillehammer 1994, and has sent at least one athlete to the winter games since Nagano 1998. The Indian contingent competed in mostly Alpine events, but no medals were won.

As of now, no representation from India for Sochi, but could change.

Up next: Iran

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Iceland

75 days remaining until the opening ceremonies (74 until the first day of competition) of Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Iceland.

Iceland made their winter Olympics debut at St. Moritz 1948, and has sent athletes to every winter Olympics games with the exception of Sapporo 1972. The Icelandic contingent competed mostly in Alpine events, but no medals were won.

As of now, no representation for Sochi on behalf of Iceland as of yet.

Up next: India

101st Grey Cup: Riders-Tiger Cats on Sunday!

One of the oldest trophies in sport will once again be contested on the football field Sunday.

It's the 101st edition of the Grey Cup (Coupe Grey) at Taylor Field (Mosaic Stadium), where the Roughriders will have Rider Pride in the majority of the stadium as they will 'host' the Ti-Cats in the game on Sunday night.

Will the Riders win their fifth Grey Cup or will the Ti-Cats end their drought?

LIVE and exclusive to TSN, and in the states on NBCSN at 6pm Eastern!

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Hungary

76 days remaining until the opening ceremonies (75 until the first day of competition) at Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Hungary.

Hungary made its debut in the winter Olympics at Chamonix 1924, and has sent athletes to every winter Olympics games ever since. Six medals have been won by Hungarians in the winter games, none gold, but two silver medals.

Krisztina Regoczy and Andras Sallay (pictured) won the most recent medal for Hungary in the winter games, with a silver in the mixed ice dancing competition at Lake Placid 1980. Andrea Kekesy and Ede Kiraly both won a silver together in the pairs figure skating event at St. Moritz 1948. Beside those silver medals, the other medals were bronze.

As of now, Hungary will send athletes to Sochi.

Up next: Iceland

50 Years Ago Today...

This happened, as shot by Zapruder:

And this:

And this:

Friday Jukebox 11.22.13

If you thought BT's career wasn't done yet, check out this most recent piece from the DC-based trancer. His most recent original mix of "Skylarking" is almost eleven minutes long and worth listening to.

 

Have a safe Thanksgiving for those of us here in the states. Travel safely and eat well.

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Hong Kong

77 days remaining until the opening ceremonies (76 until the first day of competition) of Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Hong Kong.

Hong Kong made their winter Olympics debut at Salt Lake City 2002, and has competed ever since. They sent three athletes to every winter game since Salt Lake City, all in women's short track speed skating, and mostly 500m and 1000m events. No medals were won.

Hong Kong will send athletes to Sochi.

Up next: Hungary

Sylvia Browne, 77, Psychic

Link.

She predicted her death at age 88, but missed by 11 years. Fail.

BELLATOR MMA 109: Lightweight & Welterweight Tournament Finals & Middleweight Championship

Friday night will mark the season 9 finale for BELLATOR MMA, as BELLATOR 109 will feature two tournament finals plus the middleweight world championship fight.

In the welterweight tournament final, it will be Ron Keslar taking on Rick Hawn. I'm pretty sure with the release of current BELLATOR welterweight champion Ben Askren, whoever wins could be the de facto welterweight champion. The other tournament final will be for the lightweight #1 contender as Will Brooks takes on Alex 'Tiger' Sarnavskiy for a shot at the lightweight title--won recently by Eddie Alvarez in a stunning decision over previous champion Michael Chandler--at a later date.

The main event for BELLATOR's 2013 finale will be for the middleweight world title as Alex Shlemenko will defend the title against Doug Marshall.

CARD

Welterweight tournament

Final

(Could be de facto welterweight champion?)

(170 lb/76.5 kg)

Ron Keslar v Rick Hawn

 

Lightweight tournament

Final
(155 lb/69.75 kg)

Will Brooks v Alex Sarnavskiy

 

Middleweight championship

(185 lb/83.25 kg)

Alex Shlemenko (c) v Doug Marshall

 

LIVE on SPIKE Friday night!

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Honduras

78 days remaining until the opening ceremonies (77 until the first day of competition) at Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Honduras.

Honduras made their only winter Olympics appearance at Albertville 1992 with cross country skier Jenny Palacios Stillo as their lone athlete. She competed in three events: 5km, 15km and 5/10km pursuit and failed to medal.

As of now, no participation from Honduras for Sochi as of yet.

Up next: Hong Kong

Joe 'String Music' Dean Sr, 83, Former Basketball Player, TV Color Analyst & Athletic Director

Link.

A former hoops player at LSU, he inked a deal after his collegiate career with Converse. However after his playing career, it was his television color analyst gig that made him famous, with phrases such as "string music."

For two decades, he was color commentator for various men's basketball games, primarily in both the Southeastern Conference and NCAA tournament games as well, for outlets including NCAA Productions, NBC Sports, Turner, Eddie Einhorn's TVS, SPI/LORIMAR-Telepictures & Raycom-Jefferson Teleproductions.

He quit television to take over as LSU's athletic director in 1987. The rest is history.

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Guatemala

79 days remaining until the opening ceremonies (78 until the first day of competition) of Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Guatemala.

Guatemala only participated in only one winter Olympic games: Calgary 1988. At the Calgary games, the country sent six athletes, four in Alpine events and two in cross-country events. Not one won a medal.

As of now, no participation from Guatemala for Sochi as of yet.

Up next: Honduras

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Guam

80 days remaining until the opening ceremonies (79 until the first day of competition) at Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Guam.

Guam has participated in the winter Olympics only once: at Calgary 1988.

Biathlete Judd Bankert (pictured) was Guam's participant for Calgary, and still remains the lone winter Olympian for Guam. He failed to bring home a medal.

As of now, no representation from Guam for Sochi as of yet, but could change.

Up next: Guatemala

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Greece

81 days remaining until the opening ceremonies (80 days remaining until the first day) of Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Greece.

Greece made their winter Olympics debut at Garmisch-Partenkirchen 1936, and has sent an athlete to every winter games with the exception of Squaw Valley 1960. These Greek athletes were competing mostly in cross country and Alpine events, but not one scored a medal.

There will be Greek participation at Sochi.

Up next: Guam

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Great Britain

82 days remaining until the opening ceremonies (81 until the first day of competitions) of Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Great Britain.

The UK made their debut in the winter Olympics at Chamonix 1924, and has sent at least one of their athletes to every winter games ever since. A total of 22 medals have won by British athletes in the winter games, including nine gold medals.

There have been several gold medalists for the UK in the winter games. The most recent is Amy Williams (pictured), who won the skeleton event at Vancouver 2010.

At the team level, curling teams have been successful. The men defeated Sweden in the final for gold at Chamonix 1924, and 78 years later at Salt Lake City 2002, the women finally won gold, as they defeated Switzerland in the final. Men's ice hockey won gold at Garmisch-Partenkirchen 1936, where they defeated Canada in the gold medal match.

As of now, 14 quota spots for Sochi are available, including in women's curling, biathlon and Alpine events.

Up next: Greece

United States Grand Prix 2013 at COTA on Sunday!

Last year, a great crowd of over 120,000 packed the then-new Circuit of the Americas in suburban Austin to see a clean race, with no safety car periods, and two retirements (including Mark Webber), and saw history written as Lewis Hamilton dominated the race in his McLaren Mercedes, in Formula 1's return to the United States.

Will he repeat? Or will there be someone else on top of the podium at day's end? Tune in to NBC Sunday! Go to Formula1.com for live timing and scoring and forget the scheisse at Homestead and the NFL for just one Sunday! The USGP is our country's race! Support F1 in America on Sunday!

CFL Division Finals Sunday!

Same song, second verse. That describes the flow this year between the Riders and Stamps dating back to the regular season.

Now the two are meeting for a chance to play next Sunday in the Grey Cup, in the Riders' backyard.

And in the East final, it is an all-Ontario flare as the Argos host the Ti-Cats.

WEST
Final
Roughriders v Stampeders

EAST
Final
Argonauts v Tiger Cats

Both exclusively on TSN, but you can watch both in the states (I think) on ESPN3.

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Ghana

83 days remaining until the opening ceremonies of Sochi 2014 (82 until the first day). Up next on the countdown: Ghana.

Ghana made their winter Olympics debut at Vancouver 2010.

Skier Kwame Nkrumah Acheampong was the lone athlete for Ghana at Vancouver. He competed in the slalom events, but despite a low finish, he failed to medal.

As of now, no participation from Ghana for Sochi as of yet, but could change.

Up next: Great Britain

Friday Jukebox 11.15.13

This week, have a hankering for some new wave, New Order style. From 1985's Lowlife, here's "Perfect Kiss." For all New Order fans.

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Germany

84 days remaining until the opening ceremonies of Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Germany.

Germany made their winter Olympics debut at St. Moritz 1928. They would later take a break at St. Moritz 1948, but for almost a quarter of a century, due to the east-west split of the country, was on hiatus until reunification. It was at Albertville 1992 where Germany returned to the Olympics scene as a whole and has competed ever since. 207 medals have been won by German athletes in the winter games, including 78 gold medals (not counting FRG & GDR medals).

Perhaps the most decorated winter Olympian for Germany is speed skater Claudia Pechstein (pictured). Pechstein has the most individual gold medals among any German athlete in the winter Olympics with five. She has won the 5000m event three times: the first at Lillehammer 1994, then at Nagano 1998 and then at Salt Lake City 2002. She also won 3000m gold at Salt Lake City, as well as a participant of the 6 lap team pursuit at Turin 2006, in which she won her 5th gold medal.

Perhaps one of bobsledding's most successful duos is the team of Kevin Kuske and Andre Lange (pictured). Both have won four golds each; in the two man at Turin 2006 and Vancouver 2010 and was a part of the four man team that won gold at Salt Lake City 2002 and Turin 2006. Two of four Germans to win four gold medals in the winter games. Biathlete Ricco Grob was the first to do so, as he won all of his as a part of the 4x7.5km relay team at Albertville 1992, Lillehammer 1994, Nagano 1998 and Turin 2006. Sven Fischer also won four gold medals in biathlon. He won three as a member of the 4x7.5km relay team at Lillehammer 1994, Nagano 1998 and Turin 2006 (with Grob) and in the 10km sprint at Turin 2006.

Biathlete Michael Greis (pictured) is among eight Germans to win three gold medals in the winter games. Greis won all of three of his--in the 15km mass start, 20k and as a member of the 4x7.5km relay team--at Turin 2006. He joins the following who have won three golds in the winter games for Germany:

• Mark Kirchner, biathlon, men's 10km sprint, 4x7.5km relay member, Albertville 1992 and 4x7.5km relay member, Lillehammer 1994
• Gunda Niemann Kleeman, women's speed skating, 3000m at Albertville 1992 and Nagano 1998 and 5000m at Albertville 1992
• Georg Hackl, luge, men's singles, Albertville 1992, Lillehammer 1994 and Nagano 1998
• Jens Weibflog, men's ski jump, men's normal hill, Sarajevo 1984 (with GDR), men's large hill, individual and team, Lillehammer 1994
• Katja Seizinger, Alpine, women's downhill, Lillehammer 1994 and Nagano 1998 and combined at Nagano 1998
• Kati Wilhelm, biathlon, women's 7.5km sprint and 4x7.5km relay, Salt Lake City 2002, and 10km pursuit, Turin 2006
• Anni Friesinger, speed skating, women, 1500m, Salt Lake City 2002 & 6 lap team pursuit team, Turin 2006 and Vancouver 2010

Several Germans have won two gold medals in the winter Olympics:

• Lorenz Nieberl, bobsleigh, two and four man, Oslo 1952
• Andreas Ostler, bobsleigh, two and four man, Oslo 1952
• Thomas Kohler, men's singles, Innsbruck 1964 and mixed men's doubles luge, Grenoble 1968 (with GDR)
• Jan Behrendt, luge, mixed men's doubles, Albertville 1992 and Nagano 1998
• Stefan Kraube, luge, mixed men's doubles, Albertville 1992 and Nagano 1998
• Uwe Jens Mey, speed skating, men, 500m, Calgary 1988 (with GDR) and Albertville 1992
• Markus Wasmeier, Alpine, men's Super G and giant slalom, Lillehammer 1994
• Frank Luck, biathlon, men's 4x7.5km relay team, Lillehammer 1994 and Nagano 1998
• Olaf Hampel, bobsleigh, men's fours, Lillehammer 1994 and Nagano 1998
• Uschi Disl, biathlon, women's 4x7.5km relay team, Nagano 1998 and Salt Lake City 2002
• Katrin Apel, biathlon, women's 4x7.5km relay team, Nagano 1998 and Salt Lake City 2002
• Christoph Langen, bobsleigh, men's fours, Nagano 1998 and men's two, Salt Lake City 2002
• Markus Zimmerman, bobsleigh, men's fours, Nagano 1998 and men's two, Salt Lake City 2002
• Andrea Henkel, biathlon, women's 4x7.5km relay team and 15km, Salt Lake City 2002
• Evi Sachenbacher, cross country, women's 4x5km relay team, Salt Lake City 2002 and team sprint, Vancouver 2010
• Claudia Kunzel Nystad, cross country, women, 4x5km relay team, Salt Lake City 2002 and team sprint, Vancouver 2010
• Sylke Otto, luge, women's singles, Salt Lake City 2002 and Turin 2006
• Daniela Anschutz Thomas, speed skating, women's 6 lap team pursuit, Turin 2006 and Vancouver 2010
• Magdalena Neuner, biathlon, women's 10km pursuit and 12.5km mass start, Vancouver 2010
• Maria Riesch, Alpine, women's slalom and combined, Vancouver 2010

As of now, 38 quota spots for Germany at Sochi, including spots in women's ice hockey, as well as speed skating and biathlon.

Germany was the host country for the winter Olympics of 1936 at Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Up next: Ghana

Todd Christensen, 57, Former NFL Tight End, American Gladiators Host & NFL TV Analyst.

Link.

After a successful football career, starting in college at BYU, he would do the same thing in the NFL with the Raiders. After retirement, he would be a co-host of the first season of American Gladiators before being replaced by Larry Csonka. He was excellent as a color analyst with the NFL on NBC.

ONE Warrior Spirit: Inaugural Welterweight Championship Fight

The 12th event for ONE will feature the first welterweight championship in this almost two year old promotion, as Nobutatsu Suzuki will take on Adam Kayoom for the title. It is among several fights on this card Friday night.

CARD
Welterweight championship

(171.3 lb/77.4 kg)

Nobutatsu Suzuki v Adam Kayoom

 

For more information on that card, don't be lazy, visit ONEFC.com!

BELLATOR MMA 108: World Heavyweight Title & Featherweight Tournament Final

A world title fight plus a tournament final headline Friday night's BELLATOR 108 card.

It is an all-Russian affair for the world heavyweight title as Alex Volkov defends the title against recent tournament winner Vitaly Minakov. Plus the featherweight tournament final as Patricio 'Pitbull' Freire will take on Justin Wilcox for a shot at the title currently held by Daniel Straus at a later date.

Also Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson will make is long awaited BELLATOR debut, and Marcos Galvao will be in action.

CARD

Featherweight tournament

Final

(145 lb/65.25 kg)

Patricio 'Pitbull' Freire v Justin Wilcox

 

Heavyweight championship

(265 lb/119.25 kg)

Alex Volkov (c) v Vitaly Minakov

 

LIVE on SPIKE Friday night! 



Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Georgia

85 days remaining until the opening ceremonies of Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Georgia.

Georgia has participated in the winter Olympics since Lillehammer 1994, and mostly in Alpine events. No Georgian has won a medal in the winter games.

Georgia has confirmed participation for Sochi.

Up next: Germany

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: France

86 days remaining until the opening ceremonies of Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: France.

France has appeared at every winter Olympic game since the first ever winter games at Chamonix 1924 (they were the host country). Ever since Chamonix, French winter athletes have achieved the task of winning 94 medals, including 27 gold medals.

Perhaps the most successful French winter Olympic athlete of all time is Alpine skier Jean Claude Killy (pictured). Killy won all three medals--in men's downhill, slalom and giant slalom--at Grenoble 1968 (again, France was the host country). He would later appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

There have been four two time gold medalists for France in the winter Olympics. The duo of Pierre Brunet and Andree Brunet Joly (both pictured) won twice in the mixed pairs figure skating event, first at St. Moritz 1928 and again at Lake Placid 1932. The Brunets won the first winter Olympic gold medals for France. It was then followed by great performances by Henri Oreiller, who won gold twice--in the men's downhill and combined Alpine at St. Moritz 1948. And Marielle Goitschel was France's only other multiple winter Olympic gold medalist, when she won two golds. Her first was in the giant slalom at Innsbruck 1964 and in the giant slalom at Grenoble 1968.

For Sochi, France will have 23 quota spots, including spots in biathlon and speed skating events.

France hosted the winter Olympics three times, starting with the very first winter Olympic games at Chamonix 1924. 44 years later, Grenoble hosted the winter games, and then it was Albertville in 1992, as that locale is the most recent French city to host an Olympic games period.

Up next: Georgia

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Finland

87 days remaining until the opening ceremonies at Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Finland.

Finland was among the participants of the first winter Olympic games at Chamonix 1924. They have had an athlete qualify for the winter games ever since. Finnish winter athletes have won 156 medals total, including 41 gold medals in the winter games.

The most successful Finnish athlete in the winter games is the late speed skater Clas Thunberg (pictured). Thunberg won five gold medals in the winter games, including twice in the 1500m speed skating event at Chamonix 1924 and St. Moritz 1928. He also won the even larger 5000m event at Chamonix, as well as the 500m at St. Moritz, and also won men's all around at Chamonix 1924.

Ski jumper Matti Nykanen (pictured) won four gold medals in the large hill events; individually at Sarajevo 1984 and Calgary 1988, and in the team event as well as the individual normal hill event, both at Calgary.

Four Fins won three gold medals in the winter games. Veikko Hakulinen won three gold medals in three cross country events: in the 50k at Oslo 1952, in the 30k at Cortina d'Ampezzo 1956 and was a member of the 4x10k relay at Squaw Valley 1960. Eero Mantyranta won three times, and just like Hakulinen, also won cross country events. He was a member of the 4x10k team that won gold at Squaw Valley 1960, and would later win twice in the 15k and in the 30k, both at Innsbruck 1964. Marja Lisa Hamalainen won gold three times, and also in cross country events. She won the 5k, 10k and 20k races at Sarajevo 1984. Finally, Samppa Lajunen won three gold medals in Nordic combined event. He won all three-in the team, individual and sprint events-at Salt Lake City 2002.

Three Fins have won gold twice in the winter games. Heikki Hasu first won gold in the individual Nordic combined at St. Moritz 1948, before winning gold again at Oslo 1952 as a part of the 4x10k relay team. Ari Pekka Nikola won twice as a member of the men's large hill team event at Calgary 1988 and again at Albertville 1992. Toni Nieminen also won twice in the ski jumping events. He won in large hill individual and again as a part of the large hill team, and both at Albertville 1992.

As of now, the Finnish delegation for Sochi will expect to have 100-110 athletes, including men and women's ice hockey, biathlon, speed skating, curling, skiing, and cross country.

Up next: France

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Fiji

88 days remaining until the opening ceremonies at Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Fiji.

Fiji made their winter Olympics debut at Calgary 1988. Since then, winter athletes from Fiji have qualified for two more winter games--Lillehammer 1994 and Salt Lake City 2002--but haven't done so since. Only two athletes, Rusiate Rogoyava and Laurence Thoms, have qualified for those winter games. Rogoyava in cross country and Thoms in Alpine giant slalom and slalom. Both didn't finish well enough to win a medal.

As of now, no Fijian has qualified for Sochi, but could change.

Up next: Finland