BBC commits to skeleton coverage before Sochi 2014

UK public-service broadcaster the BBC has acquired rights to the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation’s (FIBT) Skeleton World Cup as part of its build-up to the Sochi 2014 winter Olympic Games.

Races will be shown through the BBC’s red button interactive service following its flagship Ski Sunday programme.

British athletes have performed well at the start of the 2013-14 FIBT skeleton season, with Lizzy Yarnold and Shelly Rudman occupying the top two places in the women’s event.

Skeleton has proved to be Team GB’s most successful winter Olympic sport in recent years. Amy Williams won gold at Vancouver 2010, with Rudman and Alex Coomber taking silver and bronze respectively at Turin 2006 and Salt Lake City 2002.