Maybe you've purposefully missed the Winter Olympics this year (Pussy Riot solidarity!), or you just can't figure out a way to watch the games without cable. Either way, tonight, you should consider tuning in for the grand finale of ladies' figure skating. Don't let all the bedazzled feathers fool you; this sport is hardcore and requires its athletes to give up everything in the pursuit of a dream. In an age when too often women are on television for the sole purpose of fighting with other women, it's inspiring whenever young girls can turn on the TV set and witness the endless possibilities available to them.
If you haven't taken notice of the sport since Tara Lipinski adorably won gold in 1998, no matter. Here's a run-down of who and what you need to know before tonight's big event!
Gracie Gold
This 18-year-old is the reigning U.S. Champion and is destined to grace a box of your cereal. She's basically the Taylor Swift of the sport, perfect, yet somehow relatable. Tay Tay even noticed the kindred spirit and tweeted support this week. Gold is considered the United States' best bet at reaching the podium. Fingers crossed she brings a chunk of medal home. Random fun fact: she's a twin!
Polina Edmunds
She's from the Bay Area (San Jose, to be exact)! She's only 15! And she burst on the scene recently, taking second place at the U.S. Championships. After finishing seventh in the short program yesterday, she's probably too far off to land on the medal podium, but she's still mesmerizing to watch and something tells me we'll be doing just that four years from now.