The first day of the Sochi Olympics was nothing short of exciting.
Some local athletes flourished, and some did not.
In case you missed it, here's how local athletes fared Saturday:
Speed Skating
The Americans weren't close in this one. Seventeen-year-old Emery Lehman of Oak Park, Ill., was the top American finisher, placing 16th in his Olympic debut. Jonathan Kuck of Champaign, Ill., was 19th, one spot ahead of Patrick Meek of Chicago.
Read more here.
Women's Hockey
Sports
The Americans, featuring Buffalo Grove's Megan Bozek and Kendall Coyne of Palos Heights, took the Sochi opener 3-1, thanks in part to what their Finnish rivals called "an 'oops' goal."
For a recap of the contest, click here.
Ice Dancing
The Americans got what they needed Saturday from Midwest ice dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White: a commanding performance in the ice dance portion of the team figure skating competition that pushed them into medal contention. The U.S. entered the day in 7th place after a disappointing first-round performance by Jeremy Abbott in the men's short skate. To advance, they needed a strong performance by Davis and White, the favorites to win gold in the individual ice dance later in the Winter Games. The pair delivered.
More on Saturday's figure skating event here.
