1998 winter Olympics

 The 18th edition was held in Nagano Japan from 7-22. 72 nations and 2176 athletes participated in these games.

1. Curling, snowboarding and women's hockey was added.

2. NHL players participated in these games. Czech Republic won gold beating Russia. Finland won bronze.

3. Sandra Schmirler of Canada won gold in women's curling, while Mike Harris won silver ( not to confuse him with the former Ontario premier).

4. Azerbaijan, Kenya, Macedonia, Uruguay and Venezuela made their winter debut here.

5. Larisa Lazutina of Russia won 3g, 1s 1b in cross country skiing to become most decorated athlete of these games.

6. Bjorn Daehlie of Norway won 4 medals (3g) to up his career Olympics total to 12 (8g 4s).

7. Kazuyoshi Funaki of Japan wins two ski jumping golds.

8. Tara Lipinski of USA becomes youngest gold medalist (15 years 255 days), winning figure skating gold.

9. Three podium sweeps.

A. February 11, women's 3000m speed skating, Germany, Gunda Niemann, Claudia Pechstein, Anni Friesinger.

B. February 13, women's combined, Germany, Katja Seizinger, Martina Ertl-Renz, Helde Gerg.

C. February 17, men's 10000m speed skating, Netherlands, Gianni Romme, Bob De Jong, Rintje Ritsma.

10. Germany won most golds and most overall medals (12g, 9s, 8b for 29 total). Host Japan won 5g, 1s, 4b for 10 total. Canada won 6g, 5s, 4b for 15 total.

Tomorrow 2002 Salt Lake City Utah