Olympics, full of questions, begins today

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - The XXI Olympic Winter Games begin today, and that's about the only thing certain about them.

The star is hurting, and there's more snow in Manhattan than on some of the mountains here.

Oh, and there could be two Olympic flames.

Back in Canada for the first time since 1988 in Calgary, the games open with the Olympics' first-ever indoor opening ceremony. (7:30 p.m., KHQ).

Organizers have kept a tight lid on details, and that's fitting for an Olympics full of questions.

Will the potential headline act, American skier Lindsey Vonn, overcome a shin injury and vie for multiple medals? Will the snowboard/freestyle skiing venue - already needing emergency snow imports - survive the latest bout of inclement weather? Will Canada's home team thrive or wilt under the pressure of its bold ambition to dominate the games?

One burning question, at least, will be answered Friday night when the opening ceremonies end with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron. For days, Canadians have been speculating and debating whether the honor should go to hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, the greatest player ever in Canada's most cherished sport, or some lesser-known, inspirational figure.

In any case, about 55,000 spectators will pack into BC Place Stadium for the opening, under the largest air-supported dome in North America. That roof may be a blessing - the forecast predicts showers during the ceremony and through the weekend, diminishing the coast-and-mountain vistas that can be breathtaking on a clear day.

Compounding the weather problems was uncertainty over whether Vonn will be able to compete. Anything dimming her medal hopes could further damage prospects for NBC, the U.S. broadcaster, which already expects to lose millions on the Olympics.

Aided by painkillers, Vonn tested her bruised right shin Thursday, skiing for the first time since her injured last week. She came away encouraged about her Olympic prospects.