The 2002 Olympic Games:
Skeleton
With Brian McDonald
U.S. Men's Skeleton Alternate
Thursday, Feb. 14, 2002; 1 p.m. EST

The winter sport skeleton made its re-debut at the Salt Lake City Games. It was on the Olympic program in 1928 and 1948 but was dropped for unspecified reasons until this Olympiad. The United States only could send three men's skeleton athletes to Salt Lake City, so the Americans sliders duked it out in January for last spot (Jim Shea and Chris Soule already had qualified at a World Cup event late last year.). Unfortunately, Brian McDonald of Kingston, N.Y., lost the spot by just fractions of a second.

But he's still in Salt Lake City, as an alternate on the men's team. He's also the "four man" -- the equivalent of a pace car in an auto race -- and is the first person to slide down the track, to test it out.

How did McDonald, 30, become involved in such a unique sport? How's it being received at the Winter Games? What's life like in the Olympic Village? And is there really such a fierce competition between the skeleton athletes and the lugers?

McDonald will be online to discuss the sport, his experience in Salt Lake City and the 2002 Games in general.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Brian McDonald: Hello everyone this is Brian McDonald and Im glad to be with you all today!!!

Fairfax, Va.: This question is probably on everyone's list, but I'll ask anyway. Since there don't appear to be any youth skeleton leagues or college skeleton teams, how did you get into this sport?

My daughter, age 11, has decided that she wants to be in the Summer Olympics as a pole vaulter and in the Winter Olympics as a skeleton athlete. Am I destined to move my family to Lake Placid or Salt Lake City in order for her to pursue her dreams?

Brian McDonald: Actually we are now starting a youth program for up and coming sliders. We just had our first Junior Championships this year at the Utah Olympic Park. Sicen there are only two tracks in the US you will benefit by being close to one of them

Lewiston, Maine: Do you ever crash? It seems like in skeleton racing one would crash a lot.

Brian McDonald: So far so good!!!! No crashes yet!!! I have had my share of bumps and bruises though. The closest I came was up in Calgary Canada where I flipped onto my side but luckily I managed to keep from going all the way over!!

Washington, D.C.: Has there been any problems that you know of with athletes and security?

Brian McDonald: SO far all the athletes that I have spoken with have been very greatful for the presence of so many security people out here. There hasn't been one incident yet that I know of.

Rosslyn, Va.: So why did the sport go the way of the dodo? Why is it back?

Brian McDonald: Skeleton lost it's appeal after 1948 merely for lack of international interest. It was the first sliding sport even before Bobsled and Luge. It wasnt until 1984'ish that the international community started competing more and more in the spot that it re-emerged as a world class sporting event.

Hamilton, N.J.: Being that skeleton is a relatively new sport in the U.S., how does an athlete fund his or her training? How much does it cost to participate in skeleton?

Brian McDonald: Funding is key for any person aspiring to become an Olympian. There have been several people who have helped me get to the level that Im at right now. One of them is Chevrolet. They have a program called The Team Behind the Team program that actually GAVE 40 vehicle to Olympic Hopefuls. I was lucky to have received a brand new Chevy Tahoe. It eleviated a HUGE burden off my back by knowing I have a great vehicle and no car payment!!!!!

Arlington, Va.: Hey Brian! Thanks for chatting. So, who has the best chance from the U.S. of medaling? Who else should we look out for? GO USA!

Brian McDonald: My picks are Chris Soule and Jim Shea of the US Team. Of course there are some other competitiors who will be tough to beat including Martin Rettl of Austria and Gregoe Sthali of Switzerland.

Stafford, Va.: Hi Brian,

How are you today?

Brian McDonald: Doing great and having fun here in Salt Lake City

Lorton, Va.: Other than Utah, what Skeleton track exists in America? Any opinion on the figure skating controversary, and the future viability of figure skating as an Olympic sport?

Brian McDonald: Lake Placid NY is the only other track in the US. There is one in Calgary Canada as well. Figure skating is and will always be the premeir sport at the Games. They will get through this but we witnessed two people get robbed of an Olympic Gold Medal the other day.

Arlington, Va.: Do a lot of the athletes competing in skeleton pick it up after they heard that it would return as an Olympic event? I had never heard of it before (of course I hadn't heard of ice dancing either).

Brian McDonald: We got and are now getting a huge amount of interst in our sport. People see the excitement of sliding head first at over 80MPH!!! and have to try it. It will be one of the bigger sports at future Olympic Games for sure

Herndon, Va.: I have to ask -- other than one sport has the slider laying on his back feet first, and the other has him laying on his stomach head first, what's the difference between luge and skeleton?

Also, since you're an alternate, are you able to "party with the Jamaican team?" (If you know what I mean.) (And I think you do.)

Thanks!

Brian McDonald: The difference between our sports are as different as night and day. Our sleds are totally diffent. We have no steering mechanism on it where as Luge does. Plus skeleton athletes are cooler. As for the Jamaicans. I wont be partying with them too much but I do know some of the athletes on the two man team and Im sure they will be doing plenty of it. Being in the same room may get me in trouble(if you know what I mean)!!!!

Somewhere, USA: How do you steer?

Brian McDonald: Steering is done by putting pressure on your sled with either your knees or shoulders. There is no steering mechanism on the sled at all

Albany, N.Y.: Hey Brian! I know you and your brother are very close and how has your relationship helped in your training and competing through the years? How is he doing with the bobsled team as well?

Brian McDonald: JOe and I are very close. It helps a lot to have some one in the sport who understands what you do. We train very similar to each other so it helps to have him watch me slide to give me pointers on what Im doing in the curves.

New York, N.Y.: So what is the life of an alternate like? Is it disappointing because you can't actually get a medal or is it liberating because there is very little pressure?

Brian McDonald: It's a bittersweet deal for me. The alternates dont get all the perks like they used to in years past because the Games are to big now to supply,. house and feed all the alternates from every team in the world. Whats worse is I know I would be a MEdal contender if I was competing

Delray, Va.: So you go down the track first to test it out? Are you looking for anything in particular?

Brian McDonald: Yes. Im looking for ice conditions to be Ok. Of course at 80MPH you dont get to see too much. It's primarily for timing purposes

Salt Lake City, Utah.: Brian,
Was bobsledder Chris Coleman a positive influence on your development? Love, Chris

Brian McDonald: Chris Coleman is an awsome guy and was a great athlete. I bet if he wanted to he could get back in shape and shake things up in the Bobsled world!!!!

Bethesda, Md.: What is the training regimen like for a skeleton athlete?

Brian McDonald: Training is all repition on ice. You take trip after trip after trip down the track and work on steering in the right places at the right time. Timing is everything. In the summer it's all weight training and sprint workouts to help you push faster.

Rosslyn, Va.: Brian, I never even heard of skeleton until two weeks ago! How did you hear of it and when did you first try it? Isn't it sort of dangerous to introduce to the kiddies?

Thanks for being an ambassodor for your sport. It's a kick!

Brian McDonald: I heard of it through my brother who is on the US Bobsle team. Once I tried it I fell in love with the sport. It is actually far less dangerous than it appears to be. We currently have a junior program for youngsters to get involved and it's taking off fast.

San Francisco, Calif.: Brian, I wanted to ask you your opinion on the United States' chances of medaling in any of the nordic combined events?

Brian McDonald: Not too familiar with the athletes from Nordic Combined but I hear we dont have any serious medal contenders. The Olympic bring out the best in all of us so Hopefully Im wrong....GO USA!!!!

Cincinnati, Ohio: How did it feel when you found out that you just missed making the US Skeleton Team by ONLY .08 of a second? Will that near miss motivate you more and push you harder for the next Games?

Brian McDonald: I was devastated initially but I soon realized I shook up the whole US Skeleton program by coming out of no where and taking the former number one slider in the world right down to the wire. It is now my motivation for 2006. I will not be denied twicw!!!!!

Lorton, Va.: A certain amount of the Skeleton coverage I've seen has focused on what appears to be quite a rivalry between Skeleton riders and Lugers. Is this being played up to generate more interest in what seems destined to be a new fan favorite, or does it really exist (at either a mock or very real level)?

Brian McDonald: There really isnt much of a rivalry. We are two different types of sliders but it has more to do with skeleton being new and getting more press than Luge. The media likes to portray that image but us athletes dont feel that rivalry too much. The Lugers know our sport is better anyway!!!

Miami, Fla.: Are all sliders "thrill-seekers?" Are you the type of guys who like to rock climb, sky dive and bungee jump?

Brian McDonald: Not really. I am an outdoorsy type person but skeleton athletes come from all walks of life. It will attract more thrill seeker and extreme sport athletes with all the press were getting though.

Detroit, Mich.: What is your athletic backgound and why skeleton?

Brian McDonald: I was a long jumper in high school so I figured with skeleton have an explosive push start I might do well

Amelia Island, Fla.: What do you eat before your race?

Brian McDonald: I dont have a pre-race meal like some other athletes in other sports. I do try not to eat anything heavy though. Usually carbs

Lansdale, Pa.: So, what's the talk among the other athletes about all this figure skating nonsense?

Brian McDonald: They got robbed!!!!! Plain and simple!!!

Atlanta, Ga.: If not skeleton, what other Winter Olympic sport would like to be involved with? I hope not figure skating!

Brian McDonald: No not figure skating!!! I was always into track and field so If I could be in any other sport I woyld have loved to be a long jumper

Alexandria, Va.: What exactly is skeleton?

Brian McDonald: Skeleton is a version(but not at all like) the Luge except we slide face down head first and are only inches off the ice at speeds reaching over 80mph!!!!

Colorado Springs, Colo.: Happy Valentines Day -- Do you have a valentine? What are you doing for Valentine's Day?

Brian McDonald: I dont but Im not giving up. There are a lot of single women in town right now so Hopefully I'll find some one really soon!!!!

Washington, D.C.: As an African American, I'm thrilled that you are excelling at your sport, even if you aren't going for a medal. I'm glad you're there to give a positive influence to our kids. Thank you!

Brian McDonald: I beleive we should branch out and try new and different things Skeleton is very lacking in minority representation so it's an honor for me to go out there and represent, Thank you very much

Arlington, Va.: How have the crowds been?

Brian McDonald: The crowds have been excellent. There is a unique buzz in the air everywhere you go

Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: What was it like after your first crash? Did it make you want to stop skeleton-ing?

Brian McDonald: I am one of the lucky one who havent crashed yet. I've gotten banged up a bit but nothing has made me want to stop yet. Knock on wood

Maryland: This may seem like a dig, but I assure you it is not. Where is the sport in skeleton? It seems to me that it is simply a bunch of guys sledding on ice. Where is the strength? The skill? How does one get "better" at something like that?

Thank you.

Brian McDonald: The sport of skeleton is now a world class sport. In years past it was a sport where just anyone could hop on a sled and go down the hill. Today it requires a skill paralell to that of a Picabo street or a Michelle Kwan to be the best. And it's only getting better

Somewhere, USA: Where you at the opening ceremonies? What did you think of them?

Brian McDonald: NO, Being an alternate and not competing for a medal, I wanted to be as far away as possible. I know I should have been there so it was hard to watch. I did watch and cheered loudly as my teamates came strolling in(on TV)

Fairfax, Va.: Have there been any serious injuries in skeleton over the last few years? Anything that makes you question your participation?

Brian McDonald: We had our first death in many years this year but it was a freak accident where a Latvian slider ran into a Bosled that had not been taken out of the track in time. No fear!!!

Austin, Tex.: Do you have time to see any other events?

Brian McDonald: I have been to luge and will see some skiing events this week. Not being accredited with all venues I have to buy tickets to the events

Harrisonburg, Va.: Do you know how NBC plans to cover skeleton? I for one hope they learn to keep their mouths shut and let us watch by then. Good luck!

Brian McDonald: There should be great coverage byNBC for the event. Skeleton will get lots of color Im sure because it's new and the audience isnt quite sure what is going on. I agree though just watch and enjoy!!

USA: What! You don't want to join the curling team?! That sport rules!

GO USA!

Brian McDonald: I think curling is cool!!! I have never tried it but I think it takes a tremendous amount of skill to do and get good at. Im all for curling.......GO USA!!!!!!!!!!!

Salt Lake City, Utah: I'm sure it's not cheap to be a world-class athlete. How do you fund your skeleton expenses?

Brian McDonald: Funding yourself relies on getting sponsors to kick in for some of your expenses. With my new found succes in the sport I am currently looking for sponsorship to last me for the next four years. One thing I dont have to worry about is a vehicle Chevys' Team Behind the Team campaign has awarded me with a brand new CHevy Tahoe. It took a big burden off my back. I have no Car payment and Im riding in the BEST vehicle on the road....GO CHEVY!!!!!!!!!

Alexandria, Va.: You're 30, which is "old" for an athlete -- much was made of Todd Eldridge being 30 and Elvis Stojko just a month away. But you mentioned being back in 2006. Is there any realistic age limit for "skeleton-ers" -- if that's a word?

Brian McDonald: We have a competitive slider on our team right now who is 47. Skeleton sliders usually reach there peak around 35. So I have a lot of sliding left in me. Plus I look young for 30!!!!!!!!!!

Maryland (again): I understand that it is very athletic sport -- it must be. But how? Can you explain to me how it is NOT just people getting on sleds? Besides speed where is the athleticism? You guys have got to get your muscles from somewhere.

Brian McDonald: skeleton requires an explosive start to get the sled moving. It's a running start so if you cant sprint you wont be any good at this sport.

Formerly from the north: As child, I had a runner sled with metal runners and a steering mechanism for slightly turning the runners left or right. I would go face down on a quarter mile private lane (when it was covered with ice). Can I become a skeleton racer?

Brian McDonald: Possibly, skeleton is a sport that is rapidly becoming one where you need to be an extremely good athlete to sprint and get the sled moving fast.

Wheaton, Md.: Do all skeleton athletes like Chevy's and exclamation points as much as you?

Go USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brian McDonald: Chevy has been so good to me that I recommend everyone go out an buy one today!!!!!!!!

Delray, Va.: So what is Olympic Village like?

Brian McDonald: I have been staying up in Park City in a house only a few minutes from the track. The Village is awsome. So many different people from all over the world.

Washington, D.C.: Hi Brian. With all due respect, flying down headfirst on a mountainside lying on your stomach seems like a totally crazy thing to do. Is it the risk of it all that attracted you to the sport?

Brian McDonald: The speed attracted me at first. although I must admit it was the speed the got me a little weary of going down again. After several trips I became addicted

Maryland: What is involved after the sprinting? Just holding on and steering? how difficult is that part?

Brian McDonald: You have to go from an all out sprint to absolute stillness and concentrate on making the correct steers at just the right moment. It's that that seperates good slider from average sliders

Brian McDonald: It was fun Chatting with everyone here today. Look for me in future competitions as I elevate myself to a world class slider over the next few years. 2006 is mine!!!!!!!!! Take care!!!!

washingtonpost.com:

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