As seen in the previous post, I started out run 2 of the BMW IBSF World Cup women’s skeleton at the start of the track. After the second competitor left the start area, I walked down the track to get some pictures of the competitors from other viewing locations before settling down to photograph the finish area. I missed two of the women in this second and final heat: Marina Gilardoni (SUI) and Kimberley Bos (NED), who finished 19th and 12th, respectively.
From the spectator side of the start area, you can look directly into the ready room.
The runners of the sleds must be cooled down to ice temperature to ensure a fair race.
For the TV broadcast, the camera operator sits above curve 1 to shoot the start of each run; from here, he can see the entire length of the start grooves from the push block to the first timing interval.
The ice in curve 1 isn’t really a different color; that’s just an effect of the different lighting conditions under the protective shade.
Coaches and race officials need to know the air temperature at the track; they can consult this thermometer at the start area.
There are two timing displays shown here: at left, the clock is for spectators and coaches, showing the time of each run; at top center, a countdown clock tells competitors and race officials how much time each athlete has to start their run.
The bobsled in the pre-start area will be used by forerunners in the bobsled races; it’s just taking up space during the skeleton competition. Outside the shelter, athletes are jogging, stretching, and otherwise warming up prior to their runs, while coaches chat.
A British athlete stands in the start area, about to enter the ready room.
The DeNittos of Wolfeboro, N.H., are guests of USA Bobsled+Skeleton and are posing for a photo outside the ready room. Both DeNitto children are track-and-field athletes; since there are only two tracks for sliding sports in th U.S., USABS typically recruits athletes from track and field, especially sprinters.
Old “Lake Placid” lettering seen at the top of the track; it’s probably more legible out of season, when the ice has melted.
One of the athletes is working on her cleats in the ready room while other women and their coaches prepare in their own ways
After each sled down the track, workers sweep up the loose bits of ice that could interfere with the next racer.
Takako Oguchi (JPN)
20th in second run
20th overall
Yulia Kanakina (RUS)
14th in second run
15th overall
Women’s luge has a separate start house, lower down the track, seen at right
Kendall Wesenberg (USA)
8th in second run
14th overall
Jaclyn Narracott (AUS)
17th in second run
17th overall
Jane Channell (CAN)
won second run
6th overall
Savannah Graybill (USA)
12th in second run
12th overall
Kim Meylemans (BEL)
15th in second run
12th overall
Russian athlete, maybe Yulia Kanakina?
Jane Channell (CAN) was 13th down the track, but she had the fastest second run of any competitor and finished sixth, so she stayed in the leader’s box for quite a while.
Lelde Priedulena (LAT)
19th in second run
16th overall
Lelde Priedulena (LAT) goes to the leader’s box to congratulate current leader Jane Channell
Tina Hermann (GER)
11th in second run
10th overall
Laura Deas (GBR)
3rd in second run
5th overall
Laura Deas (GBR) takes over the leader’s box
Katie Uhlaender (USA)
7th in second run
9th overall
highest finish for a US athlete
Mirela Rahneva (CAN)
5th in second run
7th overall
Mirela Rahneva (CAN) accepts congratulations from the Canadian fans watching the finish
Jane Channell (CAN) hugs teammate Mimi Rahneva
Mirela Rahneva (CAN) congratulates lcurrent eader Laura Deas (GBR)
Athletes and coaches from the German, British, Canadian, American, and Russian teams watch the TV coverage of Lizzy Yarnold’s run on the finish area TV monitor.
Mirela Rahneva (CAN) amidst others in the finish area
Lizzy Yarnold (GBR)
2nd in second run
3rd overall
Laura Deas (GBR) congratulates teammate Lizzy Yarnold as she takes over the leader’s box
Jacqueline Loelling (GER)
12th in second run
8th overall
Elisabeth Vathje (CAN)
4th in second run
2nd overall
Elisabeth Vathje (CAN) sees from the finish-area scoreboard that she has taken over the lead
Elisabeth Vathje (CAN) is excited!
Jane Channell (CAN) hugs teammate Elisabeth Vathje
Mimi Rahneva congratulates Elisabeth Vathje
Elisabeth Vathje (CAN) is shepherded toward the leader’s box by the IBSF TV staff
Elisabeth Vathje (CAN) in the leader’s box
Elena Nikitina (RUS)
10th in second run
new start record 5.03s
f4th overall
Elena Nikitina (RUS) watching Janine Flock’s run on the TV monitor. Note how the Russian team sponsor is Mercedes-Benz (see the logo on her arm) but because BMW is the global sponsor of the IBSF World Cup, she has to wear a BMW logo more prominently.
Elisabeth Vathje (CAN) is also watching Janine Flock’s run on the monitor
Janine Flock (AUT)
9th in second run
overall race winner
Elisabeth Vathje (CAN) lets her hair down
Vathje, Flock, and Yarnold
Your podium:
Silver: Elisabeth Vathje (CAN)
Gold: Janine Flock (AUT)
Bronze: Lizzy Yarnold (GBR)
