Then begins the race for most medals at the world event in Italy. While the United States has the most medals in the Summer Olympics, the same can't be said for the Winter Olympics. The Americans have had their fair share of success but have the second-most medals all-time since the inaugural Winter Olympics in 1924.

In Italy, nearly 3,000 athletes will compete in the XXV Winter Olympic Games, including winter sports such as: alpine skiing, figure skating and curling.

Among the performers at this year's Opening Ceremony are Mariah Carey and legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli, with the evening culminating in the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.