One week from today the 2014 Olympic Winter Games will open in Sochi, Russia. The Olympics are possibly the most important global event, or perhaps they appear that way to an American who is not a fan of FIFA. I happen to like the Winter Olympics more than the Summer Olympics. The winter sports seem much faster, more dangerous, tension-filled and exciting. That is, unless of course, you are watching a fast-paced curling match.

There are many story lines to watch this winter. Among my favorites are the Jamaican bobsled team that, after qualifying, had to raise funds on a crowd-sourcing website to afford their travel. Perhaps it was fans of Cool Runnings who catapulted them past their goal, allowing them to attend and compete. How very digital age. Lolo Jones, who many will remember as a track and field athlete from the past Summer Olympics, is competing with the United States bobsled team. 

Some of the darker headlines are more accusatory, citing what seems like more real than normal threats of violence. Others report outright prejudice by government officials. The Olympics are no stranger to being a platform for controversy. I just hope all the athletes and fans make it through without major incident and, of course, that the U.S. delegation returns home with plenty of new gold, silver and bronze.

— Rob Setzman, digital coordinator and account executive