Winter Olympics Betting Preview Part 1

8 Feb 2010

The Winter Olympics are almost upon us, and Britain has some medal hopes. Here we will review some of the major events.

Just about everyone’s favourite event is the Bobsleigh. It is a sport that looks truly terrifying as that fibre-glass bullet hurtles round the steel bends poised what seem to be only microns away from total disaster. There are two person and four person teams; the ladies seem to enjoy it as much as the men. Britain has achieve medals in the sport; the first was back in 1924 and was a silver; the second, a gold, was won in 1964 by Tony Nash and Robin Dixon. This year Britain has entered two ladies, Nicola Minichiello and Gillian Cooke, who are world champions. Great Britain is the fourth favourite to win this event at odds of 11/1.

For anyone a little squeamish about the Bobsleigh is likely to have nightmares when it comes to the skeleton. Here competitors race down hill on tin trays with tiny skids; the riders chin is literally centimetres away from the ice and the speed they carry through the bends is such that they are subjected to forces as high as 5G. Britain has medals here too, and Shelley Rudman won silver in 2006. She is entering again this year as is her partner Kristan Bromley. He is seventh favourite out of a field of 14 with odds of 14/1.

Figure Skating is a little more gentle than wither of the above, with half the marks being awarded for artistry rather than sporting prowess. Having said that, Britain has been surprisingly good at it. Jogn Curry won a gold medal in 1976 and Robin Cousins won gold in 1980. This was followed in 1984 by a gold medal for ice-dancing which was won by Torvill and Dean. Britain has another pair of accomplished skaters this year. These are Sinead and John Kerr; but unfortunately they are not highly favoured and are outsiders at odds of 75/1.

Also on ice, speed skating always looks impressive and although it tens to favour other countries, the Brits have occasionally finished quite high up, though not in the medals.

All odds correct at time of writing and are subject to change