The Beijing Games are barely over, but ESPN is already looking to 2010 with their picks for athletes to watch in Vancouver. They mention that the host country always has an advantage (due to patriotism and strong support from the crowds) and that Canada always excels at the Winter Games. Look for a particularly strong showing from the Canadians at the Vancouver Games. The Canadian men’s hockey team, the “north of the border” equivalent to the US men’s basketball team, is sure to be in the mix for the Gold Medal. Others to watch include:

Apolo Anton Ohno - This will be the third Olympics for the US speed skater. He already has five Medals, two of which are Gold.

Shaun White. This flamboyant US snowboarder (pictured above), dubbed the “Flying Tomato,” is sure to wow the crowds again in Vancouver as he attempts to defend his Gold Medal in the half pipe.

Julia Mancuso. We’ve already mentioned Mancuso as someone to watch in Vancouver. The 23-year-old skiier won the Gold Medal in the Giant Slalom in Turin.

Jeffrey Buttle. This 25-year-old Canadian figure skater won the Bronze Medal in 2006 and is the current World Champion. He’ll likely be seeking Gold in Vancouver.

Mao Asada. Mao Asada from Japan is the current women’s world champion figure skater. The 17-year-old is likely be the one to beat in Vancouver.

Lindsey Jacobellis. Jacobellis is perhaps best known for her dramatic fall just at the end of her 2006 snowboarding routine in Turin. She ended up with the Silver Medal, but she’ll be looking for Gold again in Vancouver.

Of course, the Olympics bring out the competitive spirit and there are sure to be yet unknown skaters, skiiers, and snowboarders that rise to the occasion as the Games approach.

Post from: EveryJoe

Athletes to Watch for at the Vancouver 2010 Games

Post from: EveryJoe

Defending Winter Olympic Medalists: Julia Mancuso