Head first at 85mph

No, this isn't some high-powered sermon analogy. I'm talking about "The Skeleton," perhaps the most appropriately named speed event in the Winter Olympics. (Luge sounds lame in comparison). In this insane event riders go down the same run as the luge, but headfirst, on their stomachs. Yes, that's right, headfirst. At 85 mph, their faces just a few inches from the ice.

I didn't even know this event existed until this morning, when I read that GREAT BRITAIN WON A SILVER MEDAL IN THE SKELETON!


Astonishing.

Now, remember, this is from a country that prides itself on deference, politeness, and tea with milk in it. Our preferred winter event is the massively exciting curling. That’s where we do really well – sliding big stones across the ice. Something nice and slow and calm and quiet and peaceful.

“The Skeleton” is the polar opposite of everything British. Indeed, it sounds like the perfect thing for some kind of crazy nutball out-on-the-edge American like Bode Miller, who, after his rather average performances in Alpine Skiing may want to consider switching events.

Our last big Winter Olympics sporting hero was the infamous Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards, who managed to finish in last place in the ski jump in 1988. His best jump was 65 feet short of the rest.

Since then we have had some small glimmers of joy in the Winter Olympics, but I have to take my proverbial hat off to Shelley Rudman and her silver medal. Not just for doing so well, but for excelling in something that is so un-British.

UPDATE: Ms. Rudman’s boyfriend, Kristan Bormley is in the running for a bronze medal in today’s men’s skeleton. We’ll have the results soon...