The top women's figure skaters in the world come together this week to compete for a gold medal that would make each of them a national hero. There are 30 competitors altogether but predictions have been flying about the placements of the most elite and skilled skaters in the field.

Yuna Kim is the favorite to win. She already possesses a gold medal and a record breaking near perfect score from the 2010 games in Vancouver. Her South Korean compatriots often refer to her as "Queen Yuna," as she has one of the highest grossing and most popular careers of any Korean athlete. She will be 17^th on the ice, near the exact middle of the performances.

Julia Lipnitskaia from Russia, is an overnight sensation who led the Russians to victory in the Team Skate competition. She placed first in both the Free and Short Program making her the youngest Olympic gold medalist in women's figure skating history. At the age of 15, few predicted her to garner such a historic win, but Litpinskaia's debut was met with immediate acclaim and won her the title of national hero in her native Russia. She will skate 25^th; five slots before Japan's juggernaut Mao Asada.

Gracie Gold is one of two American competitors to have a shot at the gold. With a serendipitous name for her profession, Gold, 18, has been lauded as a rising star whose ability will only increase with time, although she is already praised for her graceful, honed and highly polished technique. Gold nailed all of the 11 jumps she attempted in the team woman's free skate. Gold holds the 22^nd slot in the competition.

Ashley Wagner has been hailed as a great skater but almost lost her spot on the Olympic team due to two failed jumps in the Nationals. Nevertheless she has a solid previous track record and was taken onto the Olympic team because it was thought she could perform. Many agree that her marks in the Team free skate were lower than they could have been, and Wagner gave a shocked face upon receiving them. She is an underdog in the coming Winter Figure Skating Finale, nevertheless many heartfelt fans have pinned their hopes on her. She skates in the 27^th position this year. 

The singles free skate is set to begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday and will be broadcast live by NBC.