Mark Hatton finished 25th in the men's single Luge at the Winter Olympics. Robin Clementson profiles a man who enjoys hurtling down ice at 90mph

Great Britain welcomed back its winter Olympians last week on a major high after winning the Women's Curling gold medal, but there were other major achievements in the Salt Lake City championships.

Mark Hatton, 28, is one of Britain's other success stories breaking two British records in the men's single Luge an event similar to the bobsleigh where competitors race on a special sled in either singles or doubles competition.

Mark, from Pinner describes the event as Formula One tobogganing, and has returned from this latest competition elated with his performance.

He said: "I finished in 25th position and was the highest competitor placed from a country which doesn't have a Luge track, so I was more than happy with that.

"I had only qualified in 32nd so to go seven places better was amazing. I sometimes think to myself 'you're the 25th best in the whole world at something' that's pretty special to me."

Mark, a former pole vaulter and rugby player, has been involved in the sport for eight years and believes his athletic background has been priceless for his progression in the sport.

"You have to be strong in the shoulders and powerful because the start of the race involves pushing yourself to gain momentum and speed. And because we travel at speeds of 90mph and almost turn upside down in parts of the course, you have to be aware of your surroundings, similar to vaulting."

Mark first became interested in the event after watching the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics in Canada on the television.

"I thought to myself that the Luge looked like fun and I wanted to try it, so I telephoned the British Luge Association and before I knew it I was training in Europe in one of the courses for starters."

"I have been involved now for a number of years and am unsure of where I want to go after such a high of competing in the Olympic Games.

"I'm tired and need to rest before making my mind up of where to go from here."

Britain's Luge Youth Academy trains potential athletes in Austria and Norway and Mark believes it is important to start the sport young.

He said: "The Luge is an exciting, scary sport and it's important to involve people from an early age to conquer the fear factor of hurtling down an ice race track faster than cars do on a motorway."

Mark insists his family have always been very supportive.

He added: "My family have never said anything negative about competing in the Luge."