TAKING CENTER STAGE

ICE HOCKEY

Most experts dismissed Russia before the men’s tournament began, since many of its best players aren’t here, but it has overcome the odds to face Finland in a semifinal game.

ALPINE SKIING

Thomas Sykora is only one of a seemingly endless string of Austrians who could contend for medals in the men’s slalom. He already has won two World Cup races this season.

BOBSLED

Brian Shimer was disqualified for having runners that were too warm in the four-man event at Lillehammer in 1994. He’s looking to make amends for that embarrassment.