Saturday competitors mull skipping opening fanfare

By The Associated PressTIM REYNOLDS (AP Sports Writer)February 11, 2010

(AP) — Tony Benshoof missed the opening ceremony at the 2006 Turin Games, opting to rest before competing the following day.

This time, there's no way the three-time U.S. Olympic luge racer will skip the show.

Athletes set to compete on Saturday on the first full day of competition at the Vancouver Olympics are facing a thorny dilemma. Some have to make a choice between spending several hours standing Friday night at the opening ceremony or bypassing what, for many, will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

The opening ceremony in Vancouver is about 2½ hours away from Whistler by bus. Even some Canadian sliders are choosing to stay home.