# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Science and Engineering of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games

NBC Learn and NBC Sports, in partnership with the National Science Foundation, explore the science, technology, engineering and math at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. Lesson plans and activities provided by the National Science Teachers Association. If you are having trouble viewing the videos

, .

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
NBC Learn and NBC Sports, in partnership with the National Science Foundation, explore the science, technology, engineering and math at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. Lesson plans and activities provided by the National Science Teachers Association. If you are having trouble viewing the videos , .

# data[].attributes.body
Gracie Gold

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This weekend the sporting world is all about the Super Bowl - but next week it will all be about the Olympics.

Now that Lindsey Vonn is out of the Olympics, Gracie Gold has become America's singular glamour athlete heading to Sochi. She is a Sports Illustrated cover subject this week, and NBC is promoting the figure skater as the face of these Games.

The only question is: Can the 18-year-old upstart deliver the way that the veteran Vonn did four years ago in Vancouver?

"I'm packing this weekend suitcases to go to the Olympics - it's unreal," Gold said. "To walk in the opening ceremonies, I don't think my heart could be bigger. The closer we get to Sochi, the more and more I want to be going for a medal. I think it's a realistic goal, and we'll see what happens."

There is a very good chance that U.S. audiences will get to see Gold skate four times at these Games, assuming she is chosen for the team event roster as America's representative in the ladies' competition. There was a time when Ashley Wagner was expected to assume that role, but Wagner finished fourth at nationals and immediately changed her program back to an earlier version.

"I remember a couple of years ago, I was watching my role models in the Olympics. And now to be that role model, it's so wonderful," Gold said. "You just remember why you do what you do. The passion in your sport is so important."

Gold is ranked only 10th in the world by icenetwork.com, a long way from favored Mao Asada of Japan. But she can pull off triple-triple combinations, which is a requisite for any legitimate contender.

"I've learned that not everything has to be going perfectly for me to do well," Gold said. "I'm a little better skater than I thought, I should trust myself more, control my nerves."

Just last year, Gold changed coaches, to Frank Carroll, who mentored Evan Lysacek to the gold medal four years ago and worked with Michelle Kwan for most of her great career.

"Frank is one of the best coaches in the world," Gold said. "He's so full of wisdom, had so many champions, it just seemed the logical choice. You want an experienced guide on your journey."

While other athletes have expressed concern for their own safety and that of their families, the Chicago native sounds unafraid in that regard.

"People already there told us how beautiful the arena is," Gold said. "At the end of the day, ice is ice, but they said it's a great arena, so big and open. The picture from the outside looks gorgeous.

"My dad, my mom, my sister, all three of them will come out to support me. We'll be able to connect in the village. If they have the opportunity to go to the Olympics, they're going to take it."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Figure skater Gracie Gold promoted as face of America for Winter Olympics in Sochi - NY Daily News

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Now that Lindsey Vonn is out of the Olympics, Gracie Gold has become America's singular glamour athlete heading to Sochi. She is a Sports Illustrated cover subject this week, and NBC is promoting the figure skater as the face of these Games.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Lighting of Olympic flame sparks start of Sochi 2014 Olympic Torch Relay

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With 132 days to go until the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games, the Olympic flame was lit in Ancient Olympia, Greece, during a ceremony organised by the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC).

# data[].attributes.body
What do the rings mean?