HOUSTON – We're just two days away from the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and there's a lot of excitement over these games. Twelve new winter sporting events will make their debut. This means more competition, medals and more at stake for all the countries competing.
As the world gathers in Sochi to celebrate the rich history and spirit of the Olympics there is also now an eye toward a younger audience. The 12 new events can turn the tradition of the games upside down.
Recommended Videos
There are 98 events at this year's winter games in Sochi, 12 more than what we saw in Vancouver.
"We have to make sure that the games remain relevant, and cater for all tastes, all audiences, all age groups," said International Olympic Committee Sports Director Christopher Dubi.
In Sochi, look for the men's and women's ski half-pipe, the mixed luge team relay, the mixed biathlon relay and the men's and women's snowboard parallel slalom.
You will also see men and women compete in slopestyle and ski snowboard slopestyle.
"Slopestyle is urban, it is contemporary, it is super-dynamic," said Dubi.
"I think it's going to be huge for the whole world to see what it's all about and how fun and free and creative it is," said U.S. snowboarder Jamie Anderson.
If classic Olympics sports are more your speed, the IOC has even put a twist on figure skating, adding a team event, similar to the format of gymnastics during the summer games.
One country will leave Russia with a gold for having the best all-around figure skating team.
Women's ski jumping is also debuting at the games.
And in case you're wondering, the four disciplines in the team figure skating competition are men's, women's, pairs and ice dancing. That competition starts Thursday, a day before the opening ceremony.