IT'S NOW: Dominique Gisin, médaille d'or en descente / Sotchi 2014

Morning has only just broken. Sleep's hold is hard to break. The air is eye-wateringly cold. The time has come to scope out the course. Everyone has their own routine - either be one of the first to go and hide away before the race, or take the time to check out the lie of the land and the key passages. Concentration takes over, smiles are frozen. The first four competitors set off - in less than 10 minutes' time, it will be his turn. Movements are methodical, almost programmed. Protections, race bib, helmet, goggles... the time to put the skis on is fast approaching. Time to enter the starting area. Only three heats left. His heartbeat rises, he starts tuning out his surroundings and he enters the zone. Now is the time to tighten the ski boots. Just two heats left. The ideas are coming thick and fast, skiers are discreetly watching one another. One heat left. A little bit of snow on the neck to sharpen the senses. Looking far ahead, visualizing the first bump, 10 seconds to go, hands on each side of the start gate, ready to launch away, 5 seconds, 4, 3, 2, 1… BEEP! IT'S NOW!