Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Debuting Nations

17 days remaining until the opening ceremonies (16 until the first day of competition) at Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: first time nations.

In the 21 previous winter Olympic games, over one hundred nations have sent an athlete who have qualified for at least one event. At Sochi, seven nations will make their winter games debut.

• Dominica: two in cross country, Gary di Silvestri (15 km classical) and Angelica di Silvestri (10km classical)
• Malta: one in Alpine, Elise Pellegrin (slalom and giant slalom)
• Paraguay: one in freestyle, Julia Marino, slopestyle
• Timor Leste: one in Alpine, Yohan Goult Goncalves (slalom)
• Togo: two in Alpine and cross country, Alessia Afi Dipol (giant slalom and slalom) and Mathilde Amivi Petitjean (10km classical)
• Tonga: one in luge, Bruno Banani (singles)
• Zimbabwe: one in Alpine, Luke Steyn (giant slalom and slalom)

They are among 90 nations that will have at least one representative at Sochi.

Up next: ice hockey preview

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Paraguay

101 days to go until the first day of the London Olympics. Up next on the parade of nations: Paraguay (PAR).

Paraguay has participated in the summer Olympics since 1968. Only one medal has been earned in the summer games.

At Athens 2004, the men's football (soccer) team lost in the final to Argentina, the only medal to date for Paraguay in the Olympics.

As of now, Paraguay will send two to the London games, to compete in two events-swimming (men's 100m freestyle, 100m butterfly and 100m breaststroke), and table tennis (men's singles).

Up next: Peru