Taylor Schablakse | Contributing Writer
The 2014 Winter Olympics wrapped up in Sochi on February 23 and left the entire world with several lasting memories; some good, some bad but overall a great few weeks.
Russia became the first host country since 1952 to sweep the medal count victory, winning the most gold medals with 13 and total medals with 33.
For the United States, it was a story of bronze medals, winning 12 which gave them the most in that category. A few of the most notable US Olympians: Shaun White, Bode Miller, and Shani Davis combine to win a grand total of one bronze.
In the exciting sport of speed skating, it was the Netherlands that stole the show, taking home 23 medals (eight gold, seven silver, eight bronze).
Germany, who in the early years of the winter games dominated the field, finished sixth in both medal counts. The poor showing will rank as the worst Olympics for the German squad in the last 46 years, although they did take home four gold medals in the luge.
A new star on the rise, Team USA skier Mikaela Shiffrin won gold in only her second Olympic race.
There was also Norwegian biathlete Ole Einar Bjoerndalen who became the most decorated Winter Olympian in history by winning his 13th career medal.
The athlete with the most medals won was Dutch speed skater Ireen Wust who took home two golds and three silvers, which would be more than 19 nations who competed.
Two athletes took home at least one of each. Norwegian biathlete Tora Berger and Korean short track speed skater Suk Hee Shim both winning gold, silver, and bronze.
We will now have four years to look forward to the next Winter games in South Korea.