Poland| Population: | 38,518,241 |
|---|---|
| Area: | 120,728 sq. miles |
| Location: | Europe |
| Capital: | Warsaw |
| Major Cities: | Lodz, Krakow |
| Language(s): | Polish |
| Winter Olympic Debut: | 1924 |
2006 bronze medalist Justyna Kowalczyk is one the top female cross-country skiers in the world and could win multiple medals in Vancouver. At the 2009 World Championships, Kowalczyk won two golds (pursuit, 30km mass start) and one bronze (10km interval start). Kowalczyk also won the overall World Cup title for the 2008-09 season.
Poland could also win a medal in men's biathlon with 2006 silver medalist Tomasz Sikora.
Since finishing 17th at the 2006 Games, Paulina Ligocka has picked up two world bronze medals in women's halfpipe (2007, 2009). However, Ligocka is unlikely to reach the podium in Vancouver with the world championship competition likely much weaker than the deep Olympic women's field.
Images of the Parade of Nations at the 2010 Olympic Opening Ceremony.
Images of the U.S. delegation at the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 12.
