Olympics: Couch qualifies NZ for skeleton at Games

UPDATE

Aucklander Liz Couch has clinched a Winter Olympic Games berth after two top-three finishes at a skeleton race meeting over the weekend.

Couch finished second and third in two Challenge Cup races in Germany to qualify New Zealand for a place in the women's skeleton at next month's games in the United States.

Athletes competing in the Challenge Cup were those who had not already qualified through World Cup races for the games, with the top four women qualifying their nations for representation.

Her addition to the team was confirmed by New Zealand Olympic Committee officials this morning.

The Winter Olympics run from February 8-24, and the New Zealand team includes skiers Claudia Riegler, Jesse Teat and Todd Haywood, luger Angela Paul and speed skater Mark Jackson.

- NZPA