2010’s biggies were the bandana-wearing speed skater Apolo Ohno, the enigmatic figure skater Johnny Weir, the flame-haired snowboarder Shaun White and the fearless alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn. As you start readying your TV for the Sochi 2014 Olympics in Sochi Russia Feb. 7-23, study up on these U.S. standouts. We suspect you’ll be hearing more from this crew—especially when they’re standing on the awards podium! Keep track of the newest inductees to Team USA as we come down the pipeline—and keep tabs on these hopefuls.

Petra Acker – Speedskating

As the only female to hold a Category 1 status in short and long-track speed-skating, we have a feeling she’ll blur past the competition come February. At age 20, she’s a newbie to the Olympic arena.

Mikaela Shiffrin – Alpine Skier

Besides her recent achievements—winner of the World Cup slalom season opener and reining World Cup and world champion  in slalom—she also offers incredible on-screen charisma. Perhaps she’ll be the darling of this Olympics?

Tim Burke – Biathlon

If you’re not apt to tune into the biathlon or have a clue what that is (this is the sport that pairs cross-country skiing with rifle shooting), it’s likely you may have missed Tim Burke in the past two Olympics (2006, 2010), but the multitalented athlete has only improved with age. At the recent World Championships, he won the silver medal in the 20km individual competition, and became the second American ever  to win a World Championship medal. Way to represent!

Also noteworthy: Be sure to check out men’s and women’s slope-style skiing and men and women’s snowboard slope-style (seven-time X Games phenom Jamie Anderson is the one to watch there). Both sports are new to this Olympics.