JOIN USItalian luge great Armin Zoeggeler will feel more than a sense of pride before his opening slide in his sixth winter Olympics - at 40 years old he still means business.
Dubbed "The Cannibal" for devouring the opposition in a career that has brought two Olympic titles, a silver medal and two bronzes, six world titles and 57 individual victories, Zoeggeler is hungry for one final hurrah. The policeman, who started natural track luging at the tender age of seven, will proudly carry his country's flag at Friday's opening ceremony before starting his golden quest the following day.
"The Olympic track is very challenging and it will not be easy to win a place on the podium, but I will do my best for it," he told Reuters.
Zoeggeler regards the Olympics as an "absolute highlight" and can make history as the first winter Olympian to win six successive medals in a single event.
His dedication to training and the "intoxicating joy" he feels at winning medals ensures he is always well prepared.
"Only through self-discipline and iron training during the summer it is possible to still be there (competing at the top level) and the fun factor in the sport should also not be discounted," he said. "My good health, coupled with joy of tobogganing and my desire to be the best, has helped me stay in professional sport for so long."
Zoeggeler, whose Olympic golds came in 2002 and 2006 - only German great Georg Hackl has more with three - has enjoyed a consistent season with two World Cup wins and two podium finishes.