5. Ski Racing

With Bode Miller’s decision to opt out of the rest of the ski racing season earlier this month—and now possibly eyeing retirement—we thought it was high-time for us to adopt a new face of American skiing. So here now, very officially, we pass the mantle on to Lindsey Vonn. Just last week, the 24-year-old became the first American woman to ever win two overall World Cup crowns (watch a video). The one thing Vonn hasn’t won is Olympic gold—she was a favorite for the downhill at the Torino Games in ’06 but got injured and finished eighth. So who stands in her way of total domination at the Vancouver Games next winter? We think the ones to watch will be Linsday Vonn and Maria Reisch, Vonn’s closest friend—and rival. The two spent Christmas this year together with Reisch’s family in Germany and often share the podium together, as well. Vancouver should be interesting.