Sweeney sisters are Olympic luge hopefuls

Standing in a swarm of 10- and 11-year-olds, Megan Sweeney saw the possibilities.

She and the other fifth- and sixth-graders were participating in a slider search for the development programs that might offer youngsters the chance to represent their country on the luge track someday.

"That's the first thing they entice you with," said the 22-year-old former karate black belt. "They tell you, 'X number of Olympic sliders started right where you are now.' It's pretty powerful at 11 or 12 years old to think 'I can go to the Olympics.' That seed was planted there."

Sweeney went to two searches — one in Lake Placid, followed by one in Maine.

"I went because it was something different," she said. "It was also something I wasn't automatically good at. So it was a challenge."

Sweeney's casual interest quickly turned into a competitive fire in a sport that could help her realize that childhood dream.

"I'm 22 and it would be my first Olympics," said Sweeney, an athletic woman who has played soccer, hockey, tennis, golf and lacrosse. "After not making the World Cup team last year, this is huge. I wanted to make the World Cup team and I want to make the Olympic team."

Making the U.S. World Cup team and earning points on the tour is the only way luge athletes can qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team, she said.

The one thing would make her trip to Vancouver more exciting is having her younger sister, Emily, as a teammate.

"It's definitely in the back of our minds," said Megan. "Because it's such a long process to even make the World Cup team, we're realistic. But obviously you can dream. It would be unreal. My mom would probably be in the hospital."

It is not complete childhood fantasy, however, to see Emily beside Megan in the Olympics. Last year's Norton Nations Cup bronze medalist, Emily Sweeney, just 16, made the World Cup team after a series of four races set the roster for at least the first two races of the season.

While Megan finished first in those competitions, Emily was fourth. Which means if any of the other women fail to finish in the top nine, they will have to race Emily for the chance to compete in subsequent World Cups.

Emily actually beat Megan in one of the races in Lake Placid. It was the first time the 16-year-old bested her older sister.

"I always said that when she beat me, I'd quit," said Megan. "I am six years older and I've been in the sport a lot longer. I walked over to her and said, 'Thanks for ending my career.' I was elated that she made it."

Emily said she is still in disbelief at the success she's having this season.