Nodar Kumaritashvili rounded the track at a heart-stopping 90 miles per hour. Suddenly, he lost control of his luge and sailed off the track. The promising young athlete hit a pole, ending his life far too quickly. This is just one example of the jaw-dropping events that have happened in the first week of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. While the Summer Olympic Games are commonly considered the more popular of the two, the Winter Games are still watched by millions of people around the world. The 2010 Winter Games feature 15 sports: Alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsleigh, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, freestyle skiing, freestyle skiing, ice hockey, luge, nordic combined, short track speed skating, skeleton, ski jumping, snowboarding, and speed skating. This year, the Olympic officials are having difficulties holding these events d u e t o t h e l a c k o f s n o w i n V a n c o u v e r . Unusually high temperatures that occurred days before the opening ceremonies are threatening O l y m p i c p r o c e e d i n g s . "It’s always gray and rainy there," sophomore Sophia Smarandesc u said. "It ‘s just your typical winter." "My favorite sport in the Winter Games is speed racing because it’s intense." senior Josh Gorman said. "It’s basically Nascar on ice." Regardless of the weather issues, many athletes have competed this week. Apolo Anton Ohno, a competitive speed racer, won a silver medal, courtesy of a comical wipe out by two Korean racers. With Ohno’s silver medal, the United States has won 5 medals this year, making it the current leader of the Winter Games. Shaun White, a professional snowboarder, is arguably the most popular American athlete in this year’s Games. After turning pro when he was 13, White participated in a countless number of snowboarding events, including the Winter X Games and the Winter Dew Tour. In the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, White won his first gold medal. While his talent is definitely something that gets him noticed, his bright red hair probably attracts even more attention. "I like flying and food fights," senior Sam Flickinger said. "So, why wouldn’t I like The Flying Tomato [White’s nickname]?" In total, 2,600 athletes from 82 nations are participating in the Winter Olympics this year. Ralph Lauren has provided all these athletes with outfits. Additionally, average citizens can buy their very own Olympic Game apparel on Ralph Lauren’s website. Dressed in style (aka thermal tights), the Olympic athletes will continue to compete until February 28. Taking into account the controversies that have occurred in the first week, the 2010 Winter Olympic Games will undoubtedly be memorable.