Athletes from every country have dreams on bring home an Olympic gold, silver or bronze medal. In the alpine events, downhill, slalom, giant slalom, super G and combined, some countries have dominated in capturing medals in both men's and women's competition. Here is the current top ten list of countries in total medals:
Rank Country Medal Count
1. Austria 101
2. Switzerland 53
1. Austria 101
2. Switzerland 53
3. France 43
4. Germany 34
5. United States 31
6. Italy 27
7. Norway 22
8. Sweden 14
9. Canada 10
10. Liechtenstein 9
Austria has captured more than double the amount of medals of the second and third place countries combined. After visiting Austria, I have a personal understanding why Austria has clearly out performed all other countries. Austria = Skiing. From the youngest ages, Austrian children are schooled on skiing. It is truly Austria's national pastime and taken extremely serious.
American skiers are becoming more successful at the Winter Olympic Alpine competitions, but have a long road to catching the Austrians. Bill Kidd and Jim Heuga in Slalom were the first barrier breakers in the metal category followed by Steve & Phil Mahre, Bill Johnson, Tommy Moe, Bode Miller and Ted Ligety. As for the US Women, they had been successful early and often starting with Gretchen Fraser, Andrea Mead-Lawrence, Penelope Piton, Betty Snite, Jean Sanbert, Susan Corrock, Cindy Nelson, Debbie Armstrong, Christin Cooper and more recently Hilary Lindh, Picabo Street and Julia Mancuso who have all triumphed by being on the medal stand as the American Flag was raised.
The 2010 Vancouver White Games adds Skier Cross to the alpine events where all eyes are watching to see if Daron Rahlves is able to recover and compete. On the women's side, Lindsey Vonn who is entered into five events is America's hope to win gold. Good Luck Team USA.
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