Rest of British: Who else can lead the world a dance at the Winter Games?: Martin Bell - Alpine skiing

LIFE has a way of kicking people in the teeth. Six years ago in Calgary, Martin Bell exceeded all expectations by finishing eighth in the Olympic downhill. Just as unexpectedly his form deserted him the following year, a knee problem and a change of trainer bearing the blame.

The chance of giving his sport a lasting higher profile in Britain disappeared. It has been a long haul back, but at 29 Bell appears to be chiming like clockwork again. He has changed his skis, does more technical training, and feels better about himself again. Last year he managed only one finish in the top 30, but now he has shown that sort of form regularly and at Saalbach last month, he was a whisker outside the top 20.

'I've definitely had some very encouraging results,' he said. 'I have got more confidence and I am skiing now better than I have skied since Calgary.'

(Photograph omitted)