The 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang is right around the corner. For quite a few countries this will be a historical event full of firsts. From the broadcasting of the games to individual countries’ successes. Here are the biggest things to watch out for.

While South Korea hosted the summer games in 1988, this will be the first time they host the winter games. They are only having to build six of the 13 needed venues to host the games. Not only is this their first time hosting, but they will be rewarding a record 102 medals to athletes across 15 events. The larger amount of medals is due to an expansion of Olympic events. Big air snowboarding, freestyle skiing, mass start speedskating, and mixed double curling have all been added.

During previous Olympics, both summer and winter, United States’ viewers have not been able to watch events live with the exception of certain areas. But for the first time, the entire country will be able to watch in real time.

Russia is also experiencing a new first for the 2018 games. For the first time, they are banned from the Winter Olympics. In 2016, Russia was banned from the summer games and it is continuing now. Due to accusations of illegal drug use to enhance their performance, the IOC has decided to leave the country out of the games. But that won’t stop athletes from competing. Athletes can receive special clearance to compete, but won’t be representing Russia. They will compete in plain clothes and be declared from Russia instead of for Russia.

It isn’t official yet, but if Akuoma Omeoga, Seun Adigun, and Ngozi Onwumere can maintain their current global ranks till January 14^th they will become the first Olympic bobsled team from Africa. In order to make history and go to PyeongChang, the team of three from Nigeria need to rank in the top 40 internationally. They currently rank 40^th and plan on climbing to the top. With some past Olympic experience in other events, the trio says there is no point going if you don’t plan on being in the top three.

Additionally, the National Hockey League’s competitive schedule has some potential conflicts with the Winter Olympic schedule. The NHL responded by banning any of its members from competing in the Olympics, meaning this year the team will look much different. Instead of pulling teammates from professional teams, rosters will be compromised of overseas U.S. teams and possibly college and junior competitors.

You can keep up with all these firsts plus more in February when the games start on the 9^th.