Ben Sandford (30) Skeleton racer
Lives: Rotorua
Event: Skeleton racers race face-down on a brakeless sled down an ice track at speeds of up to 120kmh.
While the origins of the sport can be traced to 1882, it did not become a permanent Olympic sport until 2002.
The sport was developed in St Moritz, Switzerland, and participants now include countries that do not have or cannot have a track because of climate, terrain or monetary limitations, such as Australia, New Zealand, Bermuda, South Africa, Argentina, Iraq, Israel, Mexico, Brazil and the Virgin Islands.
The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation narrows the field greatly and only a few dozen countries compete in the Olympic Games.
Background: Sandford is attending his second Olympics.
He was 10th in 2006 in Turin.
He first competed for New Zealand in 2002 and is ranked 14th on the World Cup circuit.
His past three results have been 19th, 12th and ninth.
Chances: Sandford is a top-10 prospect.
Race day: February 18 (heat) and February 19 (final), at Whistler.
