Katie Koczynski, Part Three
Express: Do skeleton people and luge people have an ongoing battle over which is best - head first or feet first? When you run into luge people, is it friendly or is there ever any trash talk?
Katie Koczynksi: OK, when you were a kid, which way did YOU want to sleigh ride???? HEADFIRST
OF COURSE!!! Luge does go faster than we do, and they do have more wrecks because of their higher center of gravity, but I think Skeleton is more natural. Luge people used to look down on us, but after doing so well internationally, I think we have won their respect.
Express: Why did you choose skeleton vs. luge?
Katie Koczynksi: Luge requires a bigger girl with a strong upper body for a good start. I have small shoulders and powerful legs. I am built more for Skeleton.
Express: What speeds do you get up to and what's it like to go that fast?
Katie Koczynksi: We get up to about 80 mph. When you are sliding you do not feel as though you are traveling that fast. You are concentrating so hard it feels almost slow.
Express: Do you do anything else in that same danger range? Do you drive fast? Ride motorcycles?
Katie Koczynksi: I am not a big risk taker. I am afraid of heights. I do not drive fast.
"OK, when you were a kid, which way did YOU want to sleigh ride???? HEADFIRST
OF COURSE!!!"
|
Express: How many runs do you think you have done in your lifetime?
Katie Koczynksi: Hmmm --I don't really know. Thousands maybe??
Express: Have you ever been down the Cresta Run?
Katie Koczynksi: NOOO. There is one in St. Moritz next to the Skeleton track. You see people fly off the track into piles of hay, it doesn't look fun.
<< Prev Next >> | 
