In a case of perfect timing, Thursday afternoon Washingtonpost.com held an online chat with the alternate from the U.S. men's skeleton team. Particularly relevant were the following two posts:

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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)!!!!

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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

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