With Sochi started America is picked to finish high in total medals and gold medals. Trailing only Norway in both categories, they both are the favorites this year with possible contenders from Canada, Germany, and Russia. America has always had the big name athletes, but with Lindsey Vonn out who will be the big names and stories in Sochi. Well here our five strong possibilities.

• Bode Miller- This is the skier’s fourth Winter Olympic showing. He currently has one gold, three silver, and one bronze and will likely continue his successful streak this year.
• Lolo Jones- This is the former track star’s third Olympics, but first Winter showing for the bobsledding hopeful. She hopes for this to be the year she gets an Olympic medal.

• Patrick Kane- A headliner for the American hockey team this is his second Olympic Games. This year he’ll be looking to win gold after the silver performance at Vancouver.

• Ted Ligety- Ligety has participated in two other Olympics and has one gold medal. This well known skier hopes to add more to his case this year.

• Shaun White- Arguably the most we’ll known player at the Sochi games this year, the Flying Tomato will likely add to his two golds. This is the snowboarder’s third Games.