Eric's whole outlook on his involvement with the sport has an intense edge in the words he chooses. He describes the start as a "controlled explosion" where one is "creating art" and the entire experience of skeleton as "mentally fatiguing."

"The pressure is intense. you have to stay within the moment and don't let up unitl you cross the finish line," he said. Speeds can reach up to 80 mph and beyond with curves that will press up to four G's. "The idea is to get comfortable and to block out all the distractions," Eric said.

On his very first World Cup victory in the last race of the 2005 season, Eric cut loose with the most emotion he's ever displayed. "At that moment, I just let it go. My whole family was there."

And the family influence has been highly thought of by Eric. He speaks of the incredible support his family has provided. "If you work hard at something you'll make it to the Olympics someday," Eric said of the advice his grandparents gave him in what soon could be prophetic words. "They instilled passion and drive in me."

Al admits he and Eric discuss the possibiities of the Olympics. "We talk about it all the time," he said.

When it comes to winning Olympic medals, though, Eric stays away from that. "He doesn't talk about that stuff," Al said. "He understands the mission that he's on and he knows what he's doing to become the best he can."

"We have a lot of confidence that he will do well in the Olympics," Al said.

Eric talked of giving something back someday. He's thought of coaching but no specific sport comes to mind as of yet. He'd also like to contribute financially to WVU someday when he's able.

For now, though, all focus is on Torino, 2006. But first, summer training in Chula Visa, California then it's onto the winter grind and the qualifying races for one final push that will put it all together where instinct takes over when it counts the most.

As for finding out what fruit this curious sport has to bare someday, only eric really knows. He has a philosophy that pertains to the quality of his ownllife: "I don't live to train, I train to live."

And it seems to be working. His accolades in just three short years are this: Defending three-time national champion, a sixth place finish in the 2004-05 World Cup standings and his first World Cup victory in the last race of 2004.

"He made a wrong turn and the rest is history," Al said of one coach who told him after Eric won his first national title two years ago. "That's exactly what happened," Al said.

Now Eric is looking down the barrel of one beatuful wrong turn and the fruits of an Olympic dream.

Post note: Eric Bernotas not only made the Olympic team but finished sixth. He was disappointed in the end result, according to his father since he had the fastest times in training.

From where Eric came, though, it was a tremendous accomplishment as he also finished third in the 2005-06 World Cup standings.

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Filed by J.D. Long