NC Olympians: Team USA Members Competing In Winter Olympics

The world will be watching next month as the 2018 Olympic Winter Games kick off in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Here in North Carolina, we'll have several local athletes to cheer on as the games begin on Feb. 9. They'll be among the 2,800 athletes from more than 85 countries participating in 15 different sports during the games. This year marks the second time South Korea has hosted the Olympics.

From seasoned veterans making their first appearance at the Olympics to young novices, here's a look at local members of Team USA:

ICE HOCKEY

Bobby Sanguinetti, Wilmington, N.C.: This is the first Olympics for the 29-year-old defender. In 2006, Sanguinetti was drafted by the New York Rangers and played in the 2009-2010 American Hockey League All-Star Game.

LONG TRACK SPEEDSKATING

Heather Bergsma, High Point, N.C.: This will be the third Winter Olympics competition for this 28-year-old High Point native, who has been competing on on an international stage for almost a decade.

Kimani Griffin, Winston-Salem, N.C.: This will be the first Winter Olympics for Griffin, who started inline skating when he was 7 years old. He is also a classically trained guitarist and has performed on PBS’ “From the Top at Carnegie Hall.”

Patch Editor Shannon Antinori contributed to this report.

Photo by Koki Nagahama/Getty Images