Figure out your Winter Olympics

WITH the Winter Olympics kicking off on Friday, what better time to take up a winter sport yourself?

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Think of the buzz! Think of the adrenalin rush!

Think of the broken leg. Or legs. Or worse.

Yes, the problem with doing stuff on ice or snow, particularly at crazy speeds, is they're not terribly forgiving surfaces. One mistake and it's "Welcome to A&E..."

We got MIKE WARD to take a look at some of the Winter Olympic events with the most alarming track records, injury-wise - and in each case find you a nice alternative that would make your path to a medal a little less hazardous.

After all, why make life hard?

1 DOWNHILL SKIING: Hurling yourself down a steep, snowy hill like a lunatic in lycra, with your feet strapped to planks.

Top speed: 95mph

Danger rating: 9.5

Injury risk: Major knee damage, torn ligaments, spinal fractures, traumatic brain injury.

Try this instead...

CURLING: Sliding a shiny stone 30metres while your teammates polish the floor. Minimal bursts of speed required. And you're allowed to drink tea.

Top speed: 3mph

Danger rating: 1.5

Injury risk: Lower back stiffness, sore knees, hamstring niggles, bruised pride.

2 SKELETON: Lying face-first on a glorified tea tray as you hurtle through a tunnel of ice.

Top speed: 85mph

Danger rating: 9

Injury risk: Concussion, neck trauma, facial fractures, bruised internal organs.

Try this instead...

ICE DANCE: Nice tunes, sparkly outfits, fancy sequins, lots of holding hands. If Joe Swash can excel at it...

3 LUGE: Launching yourself feet-first into a frozen trench, lying on a speeding contraption with no steering and no brakes.

Top speed: 90mph

Danger rating: 8.5

Injury risk: Spinal fractures, head trauma, blunt-force injuries.

Try this instead...