Chasing Gold🥇: Medal count continues to rise for Team USA as snowboarders add another gold
After a slow first week in the medal count at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, the United States has made strides and now has 11 overall medals, six behind leader Norway.
The second week of competition could see more Americans on the medal stand. The men's hockey team has been impressive after routing China and dispatching rival Canada 4-2. Next up for the U.S. team is Germany, who won the silver medal in 2018.
Lindsey Jacobellis won her second gold medal in Beijing after finishing first alongside American teammate Nick Baumgartner in the debut of mixed-gender team snowboard cross.
Among Saturday's featured events is the debut of bobsled's women’s monobob and the men's giant slalom.
Qualifications in the women’s freeskiing slopestyle and women’s aerials start, and long track speedskating's women’s 500 meters round out the competition for early Sunday morning where Erin Jackson and US teammate Brittany Bowe go for the gold.
TV SCHEDULE: What and how to watch Saturday night and Sunday morning events
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OLYMPICS MEDAL COUNT: Track the hardware in Beijing by country
WHAT'S NEXT: Three-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White ended his Olympic career after finishing fourth in the men's halfpipe. He spoke about his post athletic career and where he sees himself in the future.
“I don’t want to beat these guys anymore. I want to sponsor them,” White said. “Not to sign them or whatever, but to help their career, to help guide (with) my experiences and what I’ve learned
“I’m so thrilled to turn a page,” White added, “and I’d love to have a family of my own.”
STRAIGHT CASH, HOMIE: A question that has evolved over the years is how much are Olympians compensated, especially if they reach the medal podium. Italian curlers Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner won gold in mixed doubles curling and will receive $205,000 for their triumph. Slovakian skier Petra Vlhova earned more than $57,000 for her gold in the slalom.
Through Saturday's events, the United States has 11 medals, including five gold. That has U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee shelling out $607,500 so far.
THE FIRST 48: U.S. men's hockey player Jake Sanderson had a whirlwind 48 hours traveling for Beijing Olympics after missing the team's opening game because he was in COVID-19 protocols.
“I was very disappointed and upset with all of it,” Sanderson said. “Just a lot of waiting and a lot of hoping I would get here. ... It was a roller coaster and up and down emotions, but at the end I’m here, and that’s all that matters.”
Sanderson practiced upon arrival in Beijing Friday afternoon and assisted on a first period goal against Canada, while logging almost 17 minutes of ice time.
Here are some more stories that may catch your eye:
BOB AND WEAVE: Daughter of Kamila Valieva’s controversial coach dodges media questions at Beijing Olympics
PANDA EXPRESS: Bing Dwen Dwen, the very popular panda mascot of Beijing 2022, isn't taking questions
ROOKIE IN ICE SKATES: Erin Jackson makes whirlwind journey from inlines to ice to possible Olympic gold
OVERCOMING LOSS: Olympic freeskier Maggie Voisin pushes through the pain of losing her brother
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