Britain's Chemmy Alcott is not without a chance of gaining a medal in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, according to Alain Baxter.
The three-time Olympian has offered some insight on the
BBC website, stating who he believes stand the best chance of taking the medals in Canada.
He admits that US star Lindsey Vonn and Germany's Maria Riesch are likely to split the female gold medals, but below that then the bronze, and silver in some events, are widely up for grabs.
Baxter particularly feels that Alcott has a strong chance in the super combined, which is her best event, with appearances in this season's World Cup races helping to enhance her experience.
He said: "She's competing in all five events and if she can get a good first race in and build from there to the super combined, which is probably her most likely event to medal in, then it would be fantastic for her and British skiing.
"She's in a great position because there is no pressure on her and I think anyone finishing in the top 20 in the World Cup can do well at the Olympics depending on the snow conditions."
Baxter also singled out Austrian pair Kathrin Zettel and Marlies Schild, alongside Anja Paerson of Sweden, as others with the capabilities to be among the medals.
Meanwhile, the men's ski events at
Whistler are seen to be much more competitive, with no obvious candidate to take home the gold medal.
The formbook places Didier Cuche and Carlo Janka among the leading contenders to medal, while veteran Michael Walchhofer is not without a chance.
Then US duo Bode Miller and Ted Ligety cannot be ruled out if they produce their best in Vancouver, while the home fans will feel that Manuel Osborne-Paradis is capable of posting fast times.
The 26-year-old Canadian, who celebrated his birthday earlier this week, was a shock winner of the World Cup downhill event at Val Gardena last year.
Meanwhile, Miller clearly has the potential to figure among the medals, assuming he turns up in the right frame of mind to hit the slopes.
Miller picked up two silver medals at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, in the combined and giant slalom disciplines, while he has topped the podium on four occasions in World Championships.
Alternatively, all-rounders Benjamin Reich and Aksel Lund Svindal are other potential challengers.
For those looking for other British medal hopes alongside Alcott, Shelley Rudman will be disappointed not to feature in the women's skeleton after collecting silver four years ago in Turin.
The men's curling team come into the Olympics as the reigning world champions, which is the same title held by female bobsleigh duo Nicola Minichiello and Gillian Cooke.
Written by Chris Smith
