Hino slides with spirit
ByReuters
Published 23/02/2010 at 12:32 GMT
Manami Hino's may not be the fastest bobsleigh racing down Whistler's track on Tuesday but if medals were awarded for artistic impression it would win gold.
Japan's two-woman bobsleigh, piloted by Manami Hino, gets underway during a training run at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler
Image credit: Reuters
The Japanese pilot and brakewoman Konomi Asazu will speed down in the opening heats in a gleaming sled adorned with stunning representations of their country's rich culture.
As well as a painting of the sacred Mount Fuji it features cherry blossom and, most strikingly of all, the front end is emblazoned with a woman wearing a flowing kimono.
"We wanted to display the spirit of Japan," 30-year-old Hino said. "For me it's a very special design and I hope that it will give us luck."
Tadahiro Yamamoto, Japan's team manager, said it had been Hino's idea to have the bobsleigh decorated.
"For beauty, I think we will win gold," he said.
Follow the Winter Olympics 24/7 on British Eurosport (Sky 410 / Virgin 521) and EurosportHD (Sky 412). British Eurosport channels are streamed online via the Eurosport Player.
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