Olympic Preview: A Viewer's Guide

• Share

(2 of 2)

11 a.m.-6 p.m. Two-Man Bobsled: Final Runs

Skiing: Men's Super Giant Slalom

Hockey: U.S.S.R. vs. Czech.

Freestyle Skiing: Aerials

7 p.m.-11 p.m. Hockey: U.S. vs. West Germany

The longshot U.S. bobsled team looks for its first medal since 1956. -- The U.S.S.R-Czech face-off could ultimately determine the gold. -- Freestyle skiers demonstrate their heels-over-head, heart-stopping acrobatics. -- If the U.S. hockey team is still in contention, this could decide whether it makes the cut.

MON., FEB. 22

8 p.m.-11 p.m. Speed Skating: Women's 500 m

Ice Dancing: Original Set Pattern

U.S. Speed Skater Bonnie Blair has a good shot at gold in the first of her encounters with East Germany's powerful Karin Kania and Christa Rothenburger. -- On tape: Figini and Walliser duke it out in the super giant slalom. -- The Canada-Sweden hockey victor will probably take home a medal.

TUES., FEB. 23

8 p.m.-11 p.m. Ice Dancing: Free Program

Though no Torvill and Dean, Soviet Dancers Natalia Bestemianova and Andrei Bukin should win in a waltz.

WED., FEB. 24

8 p.m.-11 p.m. Hockey: Medal Round

Lotsa hockey, live and taped. Also on tape: women's giant slalom.

THURS., FEB. 25

8 p.m.-11 p.m. Figure Skating: Women's Short Program

The time is prime for Debi Thomas, America's current sweetheart, and Katarina Witt, East Germany's coquettish "workers' hero." -- On tape: Italy's Alberto ("la Bomba") Tomba will give Zurbriggen a run for his money in the giant slalom.

FRI., FEB. 26

8 p.m.-11 p.m. Speed Skating: Women's 1,000 m

Hockey: Medal Round

Kania is considered unbeatable here. Blair may skate to a bronze.

SAT., FEB. 27

Noon-6 p.m. Skiing: Men's Slalom

Hockey: Medal Round

7 p.m.-11 p.m. Speed Skating: Women's 1,500 m

Figure Skating: Women's Free Program

Slalom Specialist Tomba should dominate today. Sentimental favorite: Sweden's Ingemar Stenmark, the aging (nearly 32) double gold winner at Lake Placid. -- The grand battle of the Car mens. Thomas and Witt both skate a final program to the same opera's music -- the foray a d'or each must win.

SUN., FEB. 28

Noon-6:45 p.m. Four-Man Bobsled: Final Runs

Hockey: Medal Round

7 p.m.-11 p.m. Figure-Skating Exhibition; Closing Ceremony

Last chance for the U.S. bobsledders. -- Plus two last, presumably great hockey games. -- Then the figure skaters have some fun. -- And goodbye.

FOOTNOTE: *Times are EST. Weather may change outdoor schedules. Unless otherwise noted, events are broadcast live. Half an hour of recaps and features is set for 11:30 nightly except opening and closing days.