1. The internal structure composed of bone and cartilage that protects and supports the soft organs, tissues, and other parts of a vertebrate organism; endoskeleton.
2. A supporting structure or framework, as of a building.
3. The kamikaze sport of sliding headfirst on a sled down an icy track.

Ever heard of skeleton? Well, neither had I—until 1995, when I was first introduced to the extreme sport. After my first run, I was hooked.

Headfirst is the story of a passion which initially developed with the sheer thrill of sliding down icy tracks at speeds of nearly eighty miles per hour. This fascination evolved into the realization of a childhood dream—representing my country as a member of the United States Olympic team.