Winter Olympics 2014: Noelle Pikus-Pace’s awesome trek to skeleton silver
After just missing out on bronze in Vancouver, America’s Noelle Pikus-Pace earned the silver medal in the skeleton on Friday.
Julian Finney
America’s Noelle Pikus-Pace took home the silver medal in the women’s skeleton competition on Friday with a time of 3:53.86 over four heats.
Pikus-Pace’s achievement is that much more remarkable considering the obstacles she has had to face throughout her career. The 31-year-old broke her leg in a scary accident during the 2005 World Championships in Calgary, causing her to miss the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin.
She qualified for the Olympics in 2010, however, only to fall short of a bronze medal by one-tenth of a second. Following the Vancouver games, Pikus-Pace announced her retirement from the sport, but changed her mind in 2012 with the intent to qualify for the Sochi Games, bringing her husband and two children along with her for the qualifying campaign.
After winning silver at the 2013 World Championships, Pikus-Pace entered the Olympics seeking one last chance for a medal. Now she has it after winning silver in Sochi on Friday.
Great Britain’s Elizabeth Yarnold won the gold in a time of 3:52.89, while Elena Nikitina of Russia earned the bronze, finishing in 3:54.30.
| Result | Country | Name | Time |
| Gold | Great Britain | Elizabeth Yarnold | 3:52.89 |
| Silver | United States | Noelle Pikus-Pace | 3:53.86 |
| Bronze | Russia | Elena Nikitina | 3:54.30 |
More on the Winter Olympics:
• Hockey: Men’s schedule | All 12 men’s rosters | USA roster analysis
See More:
