Ted Ligety looks to defend title and 4 other things to watch on Winter Olympics Day 9
Despite some more disappointments on Day 8, the United States picked up a silver medal in men's speedskating courtesy of John-Henry Kreuger. And his parents enjoyed every minute of it.
Reigning champion Ted Ligety aims to get back on the podium in giant slalom, while Americans are favorites in skiing slopestyle, four years after sweeping the podium.
Here's what you should be watching:
Alpine skiing
First run scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET. Final run at 11:45 p.m. ET on Saturday
Despite suffering from injuries the past few years, Ted Ligety is back hoping to defend his giant slalom title from Sochi. Ligety was fifth here in the men’s combined. At 33, he may not be a favorite for gold in the GS, but no one would be surprised if he landed on the podium. He was third in a World Cup in Germany before the Olympics.
Men's slopestyle skiing
Finals scheduled to begin at 11:15 p.m. ET
In men’s slopestyle, the USA swept the medals in 2014 with Joss Christensen, Gus Kenworthy and Nick Goepper. Christensen didn’t make the team this year, but Kenworthy and Goepper are back. Kenworthy has posted on social media about a broken right thumb and a hematoma on his hip. Not the best way to prepare for the Games.
Men's aerials
Finals scheduled to begin 6 a.m. ET on Sunday
In men’s aerials, American Jon Lillis is reigning world champ and seeks his first Olympic medal in the finals. Lillis has been competing in honor of his brother Mikey, who passed away last year. Jon’s brother, Chris, also competes in aerials and is on the U.S. national team.
Bobsled
Scheduled to begin 6:05 a.m. ET on Sunday
The two-man competition gets underway and the United States has qualified three sleds. Pilot Justin Olsen had an emergency appendectomy after arriving in Korea and plans to compete. Codie Bascue and Nick Cunningham are the other two U.S. pilots. Canadian Justin Kripps is the current World Cup leader and his teammate Chris Spring is third.
Men’s hockey
Finland-Sweden scheduled for 7:10 a.m. ET on Sunday
Sweden and Finland, both 2-0, in Group C will face each other in a preliminary-round game. Sweden hasn’t allowed a single goal in victories against Norway and Germany. Both Sweden and Finland will move on to the elimination round.