The U.S. Olympic team contains many familar names— Apolo, Bode, Michelle Kwan, and Jeremy Bloom, among them. Will this mean gold for the U.S.A.? The U.S. Olympic committee is optimistic.

Michelle Kwan is battling an injury but is hopeful that she will make the team at Nationals.

Bode Miller has been battling officials off the slopes.

Jeremy Bloom is pursuing football along with skiing.

I admit, I don’t know what Olympic athletes in other countries do with their spare time, but it does seem that U.S. athletes are less focused. Perhaps this is because, unlike some countries, American athletes are completely on their own when it comes to supporting themselves. They need to find sponsors or other jobs while they’re training. Will this affect the U.S.’s medal chances? Only time will tell.