BEIJING, China — American freestyle skier Winter Vinecki is set to become the first athlete with the first name Winter to compete at the Winter Games.
It's just another in a long line of notable accomplishments for the 23-year-old who hunts and fishes, grows her own vegetables, launched her own foundation dedicated to her late father, has run a marathon on all seven continents and just so happens to fly high over the snow.
She's trying to become the first American woman to take home an Olympic medal in the aerials individual competition since Nikki Stone’s gold in 1998.
Born in Grand Rapids, Vinecki lists her hometown as Gaylord, Michigan.
Her dream is to make it to the podium for her late father.
You can read her Olypmics bio here.
The competition for her event starts Saturday, Feb. 13.
West Michigan has other ties to athletes competing in the Winter Games.
Muskegon native Justin Abdelkader had his Olypmpic debut for Team USA as the Men's hockey team took on China on Thursday.
The Grand Rapids Griffins released Abdelkader from his professional tryout in January so he can focus on the games.
Two other Griffins players, Andy Miele and Pat Nagle, are also representing Team USA.
Eleven other former Griffins players are representing their respective nations in the Olympics.
You can find the 2022 Olympics hockey schedule here.
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