Winter Olympics: Ranking the best skeleton helmet designs

Kevin Boyer of Canada starts his second run during the men's skeleton. photo / AP

It used to be the figure skaters who were the style icons of a Winter Olympics but it seems they've been overtaken by the skeleton racers.

The men's skeleton heats began in PyeongChang as the riders showcased their brilliant helmet designs. The Herald ranks the best and worst of helmet art on show.

7) Wenqiang Geng (China)
Very basic. Comes across as too minimalist. Maybe he didn't get the memo.

Wenqiang Geng of China starts his first run during the men's skeleton. Photo / AP

6) Rhys Thornbury (New Zealand)
It's alright but could have taken some inspiration from many Warriors kits and gone big on a more traditional motif like a taniwha, a Haast eagle or a flying gumboot.

Rhys Thornbury of New Zealand starts his first run during the men's skeleton. Photo / AP

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5) Hiroatsu Takahashi (Japan)
It's certainly the prettiest but i think they're meant to be going for intimidating.

Hiroatsu Takahashi of Japan starts his first run during the men's skeleton. Photo / AP

4) Joseph Luke Cecchini (Italy)
But maybe a skull with its eye holes and mouth glowing is too intimidating. Drops points for lack of Italianess.

Joseph Luke Cecchini of Italy brakes in the finish area after his second run during the men's skeleton. Photo / AP

3) Kevin Boyer (Canada)
Who doesn't love a beaver? The teeth are great and the eyes are awesome. Very Canadian.

Kevin Boyer of Canada starts his second run during the men's skeleton. Photo / AP

2) Barrett Martineau (Canada)
Two Canadians on the podium! The grizzly bear is both intimidating and Canadian.

Barrett Martineau of Canada starts his first run during the men's skeleton. Photo / AP

1) Akwasi Frimpong (Ghana)

He had the worst times in the opening two heats but at least he looks the coolest.

Akwasi Frimpong, of Ghana, starts his practice run during the men's skeleton. photo / AP

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