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Sunday, 11 November, 2001, 14:40 GMT

Skeleton crew set sail for Salt Lake

One of Great Britain's best hopes of success at next year's Winter Olympics launched the final countdown to Salt Lake City on Wednesday.

The British Bob Skeleton team announced for the forthcoming World Cup season contains two genuine Olympic medal prospects.

Alex Coomber is the reigning women's World Cup champion while Kristin Bromley harbours hopes of a podium finish in the men's event.

After the success of last year's summer Games, the winter sport specialists are keen for a share of the limelight.


" Not many people know about skeleton in the UK but hopefully we're going to change that "
Alex Coomber

And the bob skeleton - which involves riders throwing themselves head first down an icy track at speeds in excess of 80mph - is looking to emulate the achievements of sports such as sailing and modern pentathlon in Sydney.

Coomber is the one most likely to succeed with her results over the last two years suggesting she will start as one of the favourites for gold.

But the team as a whole is determined not to waste their first real opportunity to gain national acclaim.

"Not many people know about skeleton in the UK but hopefully we're going to change that," said Coomber, who is currently on an 18 month release from the RAF.

"There is a certain amount of pressure on me but that's the situation I'm in.

"As long as I train hard, prepare myself well and don't make any mistakes then whatever the result I've got to be happy with that."

Team-mate Bromley has been at the forefront of developing the sport in Britain and even has a PHD in bob skeleton.

He got involved as part of a research project being carried out by his employer British Aerospace and six years later finds himself preparing for the Olympics.

"We are going to Salt Lake City to win what we can," said Bromley.

"Alex and myself are very focused on what we need to do."

Best ever

The rest of the team is made up of Adrian Collins, Steve Anson and Emma Stewart.

Results in the World Cup will determine how many go to the Olympics but performance manager Simon Timpson expects a stong British challenge.

"It is the most exciting year for the sport in a long time," said Timpson.

"This is our best ever World Cup team and we aim to peak for the Olympic Games."


Related to this story:
Britain bobbing for Olympic glory (19 Oct 01 | Other Sports) Coomber aiming for Utah gold (19 Feb 01 | Other Sports)


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