Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Slovakia

36 days remaining until the opening ceremonies (35 until the first day of competition) at Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Slovakia.

Slovakia made their winter Olympics debut at Lillehammer 1994, and has participated at every winter games since. The Slovakian contingent won four medals in the winter games, including a gold medal.

Biathlete Anastasia Kuzmina (pictured) became Slovakia's first winter Olympics gold medalist after her win in the 7.5km sprint at Vancouver 2010.

For Sochi, 63 quota spots are available, including the men's ice hockey, where at Vancouver 2010, finished 4th after losing to Finland in the bronze medal match. Also spots in short track speed skating and biathlon among others.

Up next: Slovenia

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Slovakia

82 days to go until the first day of the London Olympics. Next up on the parade of nations: Slovakia (SVK).

Slovakia has participated in the summer Olympics since 1996 (first summer games as an independent nation after Czechoslovakia was split apart in '93). Slovak athletes have won a combined total of 20 medals in the summer games including seven gold medals.

Slovakia has quickly become a canoeing powerhouse. Michael Martikan (pictured) has contributed his share with two gold medals of his own. Both of them in the men's Canadian singles slalom at Atlanta 1996 and again at Beijing 2008.

Elena Kaliska (pictured), another canoeist, won twice in singles action. She won the women's kayak singles slalom at Athens 2004 and again at Beijing 2008.

Twins Peter and Pavol Hochschorner, also canoeists,won men's Canadian doubles slalom gold three times-at Sydney 2000, again at Athens 2004 and at Beijing 2008.

As of now, 34 Slovak athletes are headed to London to compete in seven events, including various athletics and swimming events as well as cycling and weightlifting.

Up next: Slovenia