SKELETON: Olympic debutant Nick Timmings spent a long time on the road working hard for the Beijing Winter Olympics, but he had a tough day in competition to start at the Yanqing National Sliding Centre.
On Nick's first run he got on his sled slightly late and shortly after the grove in the ice ran out his sled veered off course to clip the wall just before the first turn. The second run was far stronger and a full second faster which had much cleaner lines and a better all-round performance.
“It was a bit of a disaster on the first run, but the second one was better. But [I’m] still disappointed [as my] training was better ... hopefully I can give it a bit of a better go tomorrow," Nick said.
In Skeleton competitors are required to submit their top seven results just to qualify for the Olympics and with limited events, it meant lots of expensive travel during a risky pandemic period.
The Western Australian attended 13 qualification events to get the seven results he needed.
He spoke about what it was like on tour and how it feels to have the opportunity to compete at an Olympic Games.
“[I’ve] bounced around three different international circuits this season going to qualifying races.
“They took our best seven results, so luckily my best seven were good enough to qualify Australia for a sled.
“I’m extremely proud to be here. It was a tough slog. There was a lot of travel, COVID-19 restrictions and protocols - I’m glad I’m finally here and enjoying it and being able to complete.”
Nick will be back on course tomorrow for his third run and he will be leaving it all out there on the track.
“I have nothing to lose now.
“I’m just going to give it everything so I can do a run that I can be proud of. That is all I can ask for.”
Jonathan Sweet
#HaveAGo
Skeleton
WHAT ARE THE KEY ATTRIBUTES
Speed, power and strength
HOW CAN I HAVE A GO?
Click through to the Skeleton recruitment website
WHICH SPORTS PROVDE A GOOD PATHWAY?
With such a heavy focus on speed, power and strength, traditionally those with an athletics background make a successfull transition. Take Jackie Narracott (100m & 200m) for example.
