Luge
Whistler Sliding Center
FEB. 13-17

Best of the U.S.: The best chance for a medal is Erin Hamlin, the reigning world champion with three bronze medals on the World Cup circuit this season. In each case, she was faster than German Anke Wischnewski, most likely the woman she will have to beat at Whistler.
Best of the rest: Italy’s Amin Zoggeler has two Olympic gold medals, a silver and a bronze, and 49 World Cup victories. The 2006 Olympic silver medalist, Russia’s Albert Demchenko, is equally capable of throwing down four great runs or making a breathtakingly stupid mistake (26th place in Whistler last season). On the women’s side, Tatjana Hufner of Germany is the closest thing to a lock on the gold.
Predictions
Men: 1. Zoggeler, Italy. 2. Demchenko, Russia. 3. David Moeller, Germany.
Women: 1. Hufner, Germany. 2. Natalie Geisenberger, Germany. 3. Hamlin, U.S.
Doubles: 1. Florschuetz-Wustlich, Germany. 2. Leitner-Alexander, Germany. 3. Wendl-Arlt, Germany.