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Bromley misses a medal

From the The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald, first published Friday 17th Feb 2006.

Colerne's Kristan Bromley came within four bends of a bronze medal in Turin today.

After watching his girlfriend Shelley Rudman claim a super silver yesterday in the women's race, he lost the chance of a memorable double after losing control towards the end of the challenging Italian track.

After starting the second run in third position, the 33-year-old had been flawless for the opening 14 turns and looked certain to secure at least a bronze with two competitors left to run.

But one cruel lapse proved costly as he slipped back down to finish in fifth overall.

Bromley had edged in front of fellow Brit Adam Pengilly, who finished eighth, with a new track record to complete the first run in third place.

"I have mixed feelings," said the 33-year-old. "I'm very disappointed not to get a medal - I felt from the first run, I could have gone for second place.

"But I am also pleased we and team GB have put on a good show."

Canadian favourites Jeff Pain and Duff Gibson were the only two of the 27 sliders to eclipse the mark and had the top two medals in their grasp.

Bromley had finished training as the sixth fastest, and was expected to make a serious challenge for a place on the podium after devoting the last four years to the race.

He said: "I really just hope to be in a position to be giving the front guys a run for their money.

"That's really where I am focusing on, not necessarily on the result but on the programme that we've planned for four years.

"It's about going through every step of the programme and making sure we can just go through it as planned. Hopefully everything else will take care of itself."

Bromley has lived in Colerne for five years. He is the 2004 World Cup champion and played a key role in designing the sled used by all the British team while working as a research engineer for British Aerospace.

"The amount of effort and scientific levels is comparable to a F1 team, but what we haven't got is the £30million budget," explained the man nicknamed Dr Ice on the circuit.

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