Death and denial influence ski racers' reality

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea - Elite downhill racers will strap on their skis at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics aware of the risks but sometimes in denial about the real dangers, despite two deaths in the run-up to the Games.

German teenager Max Burkhart and France's two-time Olympian David Poisson both died in racing accidents in Canada, the first fatalities on the professional circuit since 2001, casting a dark shadow over the sport.

"We know we do a risky sport," said Poisson's teammate Blaise Giezendanner.