If Japan is to have its say in any share of upsets and surprises at the Winter Olympics in Turin, slalom specialists Akira Sasaki and Kentaro Minagawa are arguably the best bet.
Akira Sasaki
Sasaki, a showman in a stoically serious sport, and third-time Olympian Minagawa will run down the piste in the European Alps resort of Sestriere on Feb. 25 looking to end their country's half-century medal drought in Alpine skiing.