Winter Olympics: Andy nobly admits faults

EDINBURGH skier Andy Noble is refusing to blame his sport's cash problems for his disappointing build-up to the Winter Olympics.

Britain's leading giant slalom specialist saw his coach quit after skiing's national governing body, SnowsportGB, went into financial meltdown.

The organisation was placed in receivership last week, leaving athletes sweating on their futures and funding when the Games conclude.

But 25-year old Noble is trying to stay positive, although he admits his recent form is worrying. "My preparations have been disjointed and the problems with SnowsportGB have been well documented," he said.

"I have not been skiing anywhere near the level I want to be in the last few weeks. I can't put my finger on why, I just haven't been able to put some good runs together and it's been really frustrating. Getting into a good rhythm is crucial in skiing and you need everything to be flowing nicely, so it's frustrating when that doesn't happen.

"But having said that, I'm not going to be using those problems or financial worries as a reason to not perform to my best.

"I'm going to Canada wanting to try and break into the top 20," Noble added.

"It's going to be a phenomenal experience to be in Vancouver and experience everything that goes with a Winter Olympics.

"It's something that I have dreamt of for years since watching the sport when I was young."

Opening event: Men's Downhill, Saturday, 13 February, 7.45pm (GMT)