BEAR HOLLOW -- It wasn't intended, but today's skeleton/women's bobsled event will show the Salt Lake Organizing Committee "it's possible."
The men's and women's World Cup skeleton competition will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed at 1:30 p.m. by the first race of the women's bobsled."What it will do is show that both events can be held on the same day," says Becky Matanic with the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation.
Originally, the plan was for the SLOC to announce this week if the two would be included in the 2002 Games. That announcement has now been postponed until March.
The women's bobsled has probably the best chance of making the Olympic honor role. All that would be necessary is to cut down on the number of sleds in the men's event. Skeleton, however, would require a whole new team of officials and complete new scheduling. In order to help defray costs, the SLOC is asking for $500,000.
"With what we anticipate as the inclusion of the two into the Olympics, this could go a long way toward showing it's possible. It wasn't planned that way," she added.
The event will begin with the skeleton, which is similar to the luge except the sled is smaller, about the size of a cafeteria tray, and the riders rest on their bellies and go head-first, as opposed to being on their backs and going down feet-first.
The men are expected to do well, possibly finishing in the top three. The women would be happy with a top-10 finish.
In the men's event, Willy Schneider of Germany and Ryan Davenport of Canada are among the favorites. Top U.S. sliders are Jim Shea and Terry Holland.
For the women, Maya Bieri of Switzerland, Steffi Hanslik of Germany and Susan Steiran of Canada are among the favorites. Top U.S. sliders are Juleigh Walker and Babs Isak.
The women's bobsled World Cup will follow. There will be 15 sleds from seven countries competing. The second event will be held Sunday at 9 a.m.
In this event, the U.S. women are expected to do well. Driving USA I will be Jean Racine with brakeman Jen Davidson of Salt Lake City. Jill Bakken, who now lives in Salt Lake City, will drive USA II with Meg Henderson on the brake.