Resurgent US eyes medal-mania (Feature)

By Andy Goldberg Jan 27, 2010, 5:04 GMT

Los Angeles - The US has a new dream team - and it's hoping for winter Olympic glory in Vancouver.

Spearheaded by stars such as alpine skier Lindsey Vonn, snowboarder Shaun White and speed skater Apolo Ohno, the US team is hoping to top the Winter Olympics medal table for the first time since the Games were held in Lake Placid in 1932. It's not just customary sporting hyperbole that's fuelling the dream ahead of the February 12-28 Games.

This time around the US contingent looks to have the athletic prowess, competitive experience and geographical advantage to make its mark on Olympic history.

In the 2009 world championships in Winter Olympics sports and events, US athletes garnered a staggering 14 golds, four silver and nine bronze medals - easily outpacing winter sport powerhouse Norway which had the second best haul with 10-8-5.

Germany, which led the last three Winter Olympic tallies, had 9- 14-3. Canada may also put in a strong challenge on its home territory, after picking up six golds, seven silvers and 13 bronze medals in the 2009 championships.

But those teams will be hard pressed to match the advantages enjoyed this year by the American athletes.

Though the Olympics take place in neighbouring Canada, the Games are expected to attract a huge following in the US with major events scheduled for prime-time viewing by broadcaster NBC.

Hundreds of thousands of Americans are expected to make the trip across the border, ensuring vocal support for the US athletes at all the Vancouver venues.

It's not just in glamour sports like alpine skiing, snowboarding and figure skating that the US hopes to excel this year.

From the women's luge, where Erin Hamlin handed the Germans their first defeat at the worlds since 1995, to Nordic combined skiing where the US claimed two gold medals in Olympic disciplines at the world championships, the US challenge is broader than ever.

'The success gives us pressure,' said US Nordic ski team director John Farra. 'But it also shows us that we can win.'

No one is taking anything for granted, however. 'It feels good to finally beat them (the Germans),' said Hamlin. 'At the same time, it will take a lot to stay up here, that's for sure.'

Nevertheless, the recent form of Vonn on the ski slopes, Tim Burke in biathlon and Billy Demong and Todd Lodwick in Nordic combined has given the US team a strong boost.

'It shows the plan is working and that's an incredible testimony to the (national governing bodies) putting a lot of effort into drawing up a game plan, advancing with the training, getting athletes in the pipeline,' said Mike English, the US Olympic Committee's chief of sport performance.

'It's showing we're serious and that we've got a good plan in place.'