features

Skeleton's Flying Ant

 

Feb 02, 2010 / 09:16:57 AM


Competing in Calgary. Image - courtesy Anthony Deane

February 2010 marks the one year anniversary of Anthony Deane's love affair with skeleton. The former Australian representative handball player fell in love first slide with the extreme winter sport and was soon a high performer on the North American Cup circuit. Now he's Vancouver bound and will be wearing the green and gold of the Australian Olympic team.

Why should Australians tune in to watch the skeleton in Vancouver?
The Skeleton event at the Games will be unpredictable. If you're after thrills and spills then skeleton will be your sport for sure!!!!

How did you get into skeleton and when did you start to think you could become an international competitor?
I started skeleton in February 2009. I had all the intentions to become an international athlete after the first time I went down the track!

Why skeleton? What is it about this sport that you love?
I have never found anything that gives the sensation of racing down the skeleton track. It is a sensation that is almost indescribable. The best way I know how to explain the sensation is 'intense and relaxing at 140km per hour'.

Conversely, what part of the training makes you want to stay in bed?
ANY training when it's colder than -10C.... Which is most of the time!


Image - courtesy Anthony Deane

What sort of competitor are you? Are you calm and quiet, do you have a psyche up routine, do you watch the other competitors or sit by yourself and avoid distractions?
I am a very calm competitor. On race day I don't take any notice of any other competitor, I plug my iPod into my head and just tune out and relax. During most races I won't look at the times. They make no difference to my runs, as I ALWAYS try and seek out the speed, then the time will take care of itself.

What has been your favourite competition moment so far?
With out a doubt my favourite competition moment is winning my first Americas Cup race in Calgary this year, then backing up with another win the next day.a

What is your Olympic Game plan? What will be going through your head as you stand at the top of the track for your first Olympic run?
My Olympic Game plan will be the same strategy that has been working for me all season, just tune out, relax then rip it... no holding back. I have no pressure going into the Games, which works to my advantage, and anything can happen at the Olympic Games.

What are the plans post Olympics - where are you taking yourself in International competition (hopefully)?
My plan for the next four years is to get stuck into training and really developing the skills I have learnt. I plan on being a major threat on the World Cup going into Sochi 2014.

Who are you looking up to in skeleton at the moment?
They are many amazing athletes in skeleton at the moment and there are many athletes that I look towards to learn skills and strategies. To name just one would be impossible!!!

How would you like to see skeleton develop in Australia?
Australia has many skilled athletes in Skeleton. It would be great to see some strong sponsors to come into the sport to help us develop these athletes to become World Champions, like so many of our other winter sport athletes!


Image - courtesy Anthony Deane

What are you most looking forward to about the Olympic experience?
The thing I am looking forward to the most about the Games is becoming an Olympian. There is no amount of money that can buy the experience nor any personal contacts that can get you into an Olympic Games. It is unique to be a member of Australia's Olympic family and being a winter Olympian is even more prestigious, coming from Australia.

And not about skeleton:
What do you do when you're not in training? (Hobbies, job, study etc)
When I am not training I am catching up with friends and family, I only see them five months of the year. I also enjoy surfing and chilling out listening to music.

Where do you call home and who do you live with?
Sydney is and always will be my home, even if I am only there for four or five months of the year! I live with my parents and Ebbie (my dog) in Sydney's North.

Are you more a books reading person or a movies and watching TV person?
I don't watch TV very often (there is no time), I read a lot when I am on tour but I am a MASSIVE movie BUFF!!! (I'm currently training in Park City, Utah and am loving the Sundance Film Festival being in town)

What do you always take with you when on the competition tour?
My computer WITHOUT A DOUBT!!!! I also have a photo of my beautiful new baby niece, which comes down the track with me every race!

Finally...
Personal Stats
Nickname: Deano, Ant, Fuzzy
Date of Birth: 3rd July 1984
Place of Birth: Sydney
Birth Country: Australia
Residence Place: Sydney, Australia
Height: 176cm
Weight: 80kg
Education: Business/Marketing
Club/resort: Australian Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association
Institute/Academy: New South Wales Institute of Sport
First Participated: 2009
Years On National Team: 1 year
Career Highlights: Winning back to back America's Cup races in 2009, Selected for the Australian Winter Olympic Team, Vancouver 2010.
Personal Sponsors: SEEKING!!! ANY SUGGESTIONS???

tags: olympic, feature, photo, photos, skeleton, anthony, deane, vancouver, australian, team, selection, whistler, world, cup, nor, am, features