Bixente Lizarazu Competing in Skeleton?

October 18th, 2007 | by: Laurie | View Comments

As we’re all absorbing the lessons of the past two games, I thought I’d give you a little blast from the past.

Remember Bixente Lizarazu, the little Basque wonder? (His Wikepedia page lists him at 5′6 1/2″. Because you don’t want to forget that ultra-important half an inch.) Haven’t you been wondering what he’s been up to when he’s not looking lovely and adorable on Canal+? Well, I have news.

According to l’Equipe (which starts the article by saying, “It’s not a joke”), he’s looking to compete in the next Winter Olympics in the Skeleton competition.

You know. Skeleton. Where the athletes hurdle down the icy path headfirst on a little sled at a gazillion miles an hour. Is anybody surprised that Lizarazu is interested?

“I drove (a skeleton) for the first time last December. At the Winter Olympics in Turin I met the German, Willi Schneider, who won his last league title in Germany at 40 years. So I still have time,” said the Basque, 37 years old, [who is] also a big fan of surfing.

“The Olympics have always been my dream, and maybe I will be able to participate in three years. Obviously I cannot win, but participating would be great,” he added before concluding: “Participating in a marginal sport instead of one more popular, I think it’s a good idea. “

I still love this man.