Contact: Amanda Bird, USBSF Marketing & Communications Manager

(518) 523-1842, ext 106, abird@usbsf.com

For Immediate Release

January 16, 2009

O’Shea and Revelli Top Ten in Women’s Skeleton Junior World Championships

KÖNIGSSEE, Germany–The U.S. entered two sleds into the women’s skeleton Junior World Championships yesterday, Jan. 16, on the tricky course in Königssee, Germany.  Annie O’Shea (Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.) and Cassie Revelli (Highland, Utah) both finished in the top ten on one of the world’s more difficult tracks. 

“They only had six runs this week to train before it was race day,” said Orvie Garrett, U.S. skeleton team head coach.  “Annie and Cassie were good sports, and I couldn’t have asked for anything more after just a few runs on a course like this.  I’m really proud of them, and I think they did a great job.”

Annie O’Shea made her World Cup debut last season after claiming the 2007 America’s Cup title, and is one of the U.S. team’s up-and-coming athletes. 

“I don’t have much experience sliding on the European tracks, so my goal is to do my best, but not to focus on results,” said O’Shea.  “As much as I want to be in the top standings, I have to focus on improving, which sometimes means making mistakes.”

O’Shea slid a two-run total of one minute, 42.24 seconds for eighth place after crossing the finish line in 51.26 and 50.98 seconds.  The 21 year old pushed the second best start time of the first heat, 5.21 seconds, and the fastest start time of the second heat, 5.19 seconds. 

“It was a tight and competitive field of athletes,” said O’Shea.  “I feel like I’m getting closer to figuring this track out, but there are really tricky sections that I still need to improve on .The Germans are tough to beat on their home track, and the field is also getting younger every year.”

Teammate Cassie Revelli returned to Königssee for only her second time, and finished tenth with a combined time of 1:43.97.  The 23 year old crossed the finish line with runs of 51.93 and 52.04 seconds. 

“This is a fun track, but it’s definitely difficult,” said Revelli.  “You have to get the timing perfectly in some of the complicated sections of the track, and there’s always a lot going on.”

Fifteen competitors from nine nations competed in yesterday’s women’s skeleton event, including newly emerging athletes in the sport. 

“I think I was the oldest one in the competition,” said Revelli. “It’s nice seeing so many new and young faces, because it forces you to stay on your game.  If you relax too much, your competition can easily pass you.”

Germany’s Katharina Heinz was crowned the 2009 women’s skeleton World Champion on her home track with a combined time of 1:39.48 after dominating the competition with the two fastest runs, 49.77 and 49.71.  Heinz has medaled in every Intercontinental Cup race this season, claiming two gold and two bronze medals to date. 

Another promising German slider, Sarah Sartor, finished second with a total time of 1:39.78 after sliding runs of 49.99 and 49.79 seconds.  Sartor has claimed five medals on the European Cup circuit this season, including two gold, two silver and a bronze medal. 

In third was Elena Yudina from Russia with a combined time of 1:41.06 after crossing the finish in 50.72 and 50.34 seconds.  Yudina has been one of Sartor’s top competitors on the European Cup tour, having slid to two victories, and three bronze medal performances so far this season.

Complete results can be found by visiting the web site for the Federation Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing at www.fibt.com.  For additional information, please contact Amanda Bird, USBSF Marketing & Communications Manager, at (518) 523-1842, ext. 106, orabird@usbsf.com. 

Results:

1. Katharina Heinz (GER) 1:39.48 (49.77, 49.71); 2. Sarah Sartor (GER) 1:39.78 (49.99, 49.79); 3. Elena Yudina (RUS) 1:41.06 (50.72, 50.34);…8. Annie O’Shea (USA) 1:42.24 (51.26, 50.98);…10. Cassie Revelli (USA) 1:43.97 (51.93, 52.04);

About the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation

The United States Bobsled and Skeleton Federation, based in Lake Placid, N.Y., is the national governing body for the sports of bobsled and skeleton in the United States. The USBSF would like to thank its sponsors, suppliers and contributors for their support: Allianz Life, Vilter Manufacturing, KBC Helmets, Luminox Watch Company, ULU Boots and Ferris Mfg. Corp. The USBSF would also like to thank the following sponsors and suppliers for their partner, the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project:  Whelen Engineering, PPG, Columbia Sportswear, JEGS Automotive, Lucas Oil, Mac Tools, EXA, Lumber Liquidators, Lincoln Electronics and Racing Electronics.  For more information, please visit the USBSF website athttp://bobsled.teamusa.org.

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