Who can stop Malysz?

Has Malysz got the mental strength to win a gold?

It will be a major surprise if Poland's Adam Malysz fails to win the K120 event at the Salt Lake City Games.

Malysz is the runaway leader in the World Cup standings.

His only real challenger on the large hill is German Sven Hannawald, who put Malysz in the shade at the prestigious Four Hills ski jumping tournament this season.

Malysz, who stands at just 5ft 5 ins, won 11 World Cup events last year and is believed to have the perfect 'v' in the air.

Germany will also have a strong unit in the team event, with 1999 and 2000 World Cup champion Martin Schmitt joining Hannawald.

But Austria, led by veteran Stefan Horngacher, will be looking to upset the apple cart.

If there is to be a shock on the cards, then it may come from Alan Alborn.

The American finished ahead of champion Adam Malysz of Poland and 1998 Olympic large hill bronze medalist Masahiko "Happy" Harada in an Asian Grand Prix event in September 2001.