"A snowy owl, lit by the Northern Lights, carries the flaming torch to a secret location." "This hidden winter wonderland will play host to a very special kind of Winter Games." "Here, Animals from all icy corners of the world have assembled to challenge some of the greatest human athletes of all time." "Let the Games begin!" "Coming up - there's the breakneck speed of the sledging." "Things get fast and furious in the speed skating." "It wouldn't be the Winter Games without the Ski Jump." "Or without the thrills and spills of the Giant Slalom." "And I'll tell you what Jonathan, there's a new event as well with the cold endurance." "And they'll be chasing victory in the cross-country." "What a stunning setting for world's first Animal Winter Games!" "And let's go over on with it." "Over to our first event and it's the sledging." "For the bird team, the Emperor Penguin, all the way from the Antarctic." "For the Humans we've Olympic champion Jim Shea from the USA." "And finally, the mammal's star player - the Polar Bear." "First up Motty, the World's largest penguin, the Emperor." "A top athlete for the birds." "This is what she's facing " "It's an ice chute, 1300 metres long, stretching all the way down to the arena." "Fantastic Jonathan." "And what's more, down below, good support at the finish line!" "I'll tell you what;" "they certainly start them young here!" "They do indeed." "A cursory glance." "Yes, concentration here." "The Tiger, making quite an entrance." "All the way from Siberia." "He's come an awful long way but no one's going to argue with his final decision!" "Hot under the collar or totally chilled - no nerves at all." "Great local support of course." "Musk Ox - real ice age characters." "Animals drawn from every cold region of the world." "It's gripping." "Very tense." "Let's wait for it." "Wait for it." "The tiger says go!" "And she's off - building momentum, which is vital at this stage." "And that's good speed." "Over the drop-off, like all the animals here - she's using purely natural skills." "In the Antarctic they toboggan 50 miles at a time, it's quicker than walking." "And they've got the best seats in the house!" "They've got a great view, haven't they." "The penguin is the only bird that can toboggan." "Interesting to see what some of the spectators are doing here." "Gaining speed." "Difficult part coming up." "Oh, took the chicane with ease." "Like a bullet!" "Little chap, egging her on!" "Look..." "And there she goes, across the finish line." "It looks good to me." "1 minute, 13.46 seconds - she can be proud of that." "Proud of mum." "Great facilities here too Motty." "A hot tub!" "They've got it all here, haven't they?" "Look as if they are really revelling in it now." "Hold on, here's the replay." "Now that was an excellent transition onto her belly." "Claws like, like ice picks really." "And it really is crucial to gain momentum here." "The inch-thick blubber absorbs any impact." "And perfect streamlining." "Feathers packed more tightly than any other bird - smooth as silk..." "lubricated with bird oils." "Like greased lightning!" "There's her secret;" "those well oiled silky smooth feathers." "Great performance." "Crowd are enjoying it of course Jonathan." "Now, is that a snowman" " Or a snow bear?" "!" "Snowballing isn't an event is it?" "Oh, here's trouble." "Oh dear." "You... cheeky monkey!" "Oh what a shame." "Now then, over to the Speed skating - let's see who's fastest on ice." "First up, Casey Fitzrandolph from the USA." "He'll race the Polar Bear for the Mammals." "The next heat sees the Reindeer take on the birds." "Whoever wins will fight it out in the final." "Motty, our first competitors are on the start line for this 400 metres straight sprint." "Here's Casey Fitzrandolph " "Olympic record holder." "And I'll tell you what, no one knows more about ice than the polar bear!" "The fan club." "All in white of course." "Fitzrandolph will be doing his own mental preparation" "A watchful eye." "Stand by for action." "What a start." "Powering away." "And Fitzrandolph's gaining." "He's got to get inside." "He's got to get inside." "He cuts in on the inside" "Oh no, disaster." "Crashed and burned." "The bear looks groggy." "Fitzrandolph's on his own." "Fitzrandolph finishes." "24.32 seconds " "He's through to the finals!" "Oh well." "They're not happy, are they!" "I think we have... there he is..." "I think there's a bear with a sore head there Jonathan." "Oh, they're just walking away in disappointment look." "24.32 seconds - Fitzrandolph's through to the finals!" "Let's see how he did it once again." "It was an explosive start from Fitzrandolph." "See the back-leg powering him forward - look at the size of those thighs, bigger than yours JP!" "That hinged blade gives longer contact with the ice John, and so that delivers more power - more contact gives more push, more speed." "It's simple really." "Crouching cuts drag." "Swinging arms build momentum." "Look at that, driving rhythm." "Yes, you can see how he caught up there can't you." "Very easily from that shot." "It was burning acceleration from the bear right at the start." "40km an hour in just two seconds!" "Micro-hairs on the soles grip like running shoes there." "Fur on the feet give extra traction and pads peel from the ice like the tread of snow-tyres." "There was a moment there where the bear just lost concentration." "Such a huge mass. 700 kg's at 40 km an hour - unstoppable momentum." "Took his eye off the track didn't he." "And that moment of glory for Fitzrandolph, crossing the line at 70 km an hour - that wins him a place in the finals." "But right now, over to the toughest event - the Cross Country." "The animal athletes starting their warm up." "The 50 kilometre race will take them on a circular route past river..." "tundra... mountains... and frozen forest." "It's the most gruelling event of all time." "And the excitement beginning to grip them all." "What a line up." "From Lapland we've the reindeer." "Emperor Penguins, working as a team this time." "Norway's Bjorn Daehlie - eight times gold medallist." "From Canada, the arctic wolf." "And we've Sockeye Salmon from Siberia." "The water's absolutely raw boned and chilly." "And just male penguins racing today." "Females, back from the sledging, offering encouragement." "He's still there, the little one." "I think the tiger's trying to make sure they are all behind the line to get the event under way." "A little bit ofjostling there." "Getting them in the right position, look." "Wait for it." "And... they're off." "Oh." "That was an explosive start." "Well." "For some!" "What about this JP, Wolf setting a good pace." "But look behind." "The Reindeer hot on his heels." "Almost 45 km an hour." "But I wonder if they will last the pace?" "In third, Bjorn Daehlie at a steady 30 km an hour." "Salmon trailing a mere 15 km an hour." "Ohh, look at this." "The Emperors already hopelessly behind," "Just 2K per hour, could they be pacing themselves?" "Or could they just be... very very slow." "Look, there's the wolf maintaining the lead with dogged determination." "Now then." "Let's go across to the sledging." "Introducing Olympic legend, Jim Shea." "He'll be bringing his best Olympic performance to the animal arena." "And he's off." "Hi-tech equipment essential for the human performances of course - he uses the bob skeleton." "Shea' at top speed -129 km per hour!" "All eyes on him." "Took that corner well." "Now down the straight." "Oh dear!" "That looks a bit dicey!" "Oh, he flew past there." "Look at this." "Oh but look at that." "He's teetering." "Keep an eye on him someone!" "He'll crash into... oh goodness me!" "Oh no!" "Consternation." "And he's got no brakes!" "He's got to get out of the way!" "And just does." "Talk about a close shave." "His goose was nearly cooked!" "Well that's one way of doing it I suppose to put off your opponent." "Great run this, by Shea, but it came so close to tragedy as he crosses the line." "Lucky escape there." "Frightening" "He's delighted" "He's perplexed." "He's hot." "And wet." "Now, let's see how Shea achieved that death-defying result." "Watch the superb traction on the run up JP." "Spiked shoes grip the ice, just like the penguin's claws." "Drops onto the skeleton in one fluid move - no loss of momentum there, was there." "Both of them, low friction the key." "The bob skeleton has polished steel runners." "Steered entirely by shifting his body weight." "Do you see it there?" "And watch now because he reaches a punishing 5G on the bends." "Remember, no brakes!" "On each run he dices with death!" "That's where it's so scary!" "Now then, can we have a look at the results so far?" "Humans in the lead at 50.98 seconds." "Birds in second place." "Still to come - the Polar Bear for the mammals." "Time for a unique event..." "Cold Endurance." "Those ice sculptures give a wonderful backdrop to this event." "Chambers in this ice-whale will test who can stand the coldest temperatures." "First up - from the Arctic's frozen tundra - the Musk Ox." "That thick coat must surely make this shaggy competitor a favourite for gold I would have thought." "Better than my sheepskin that one, isn't it." "Not as famous!" "Oh I don't know about that." "But wait wait, because here next, here comes the Arctic Ground Squirrel." "Each year, he's tested by North America's coldest weather." "Where he lives, winter lasts eight months!" "Onto our smallest contender - a Painted Turtle." "This hatchling would naturally over-winter in frozen underground chambers - he's used to life in the deepfreeze." "But of course, we have human competitors." "And here's Wim Hof, current world champion for full body ice endurance." "Not much hair on his body " "I wonder if he'll be left out in the cold." "Little cheerful smile there." "Quite relaxed." "Now finally, our old friends the Emperor Penguins again." "How will the females get on while their mates compete in the cross-country?" "Room for a little one!" "The event begins." "Look, the doors are being sealed..." "The locks are frozen!" "He's got himself into the zone, I think they call it." "While the temperature plummets." "Yes, and as the cold starts to bite JP, let's see who's competing in the ski jump." "Well from Switzerland Alps we have Simon Ammann for the humans." "And from Greenland, the barnacle goose for the birds." "From the Himalayas, the Snow leopard for the Mammals." "And also for the mammals, the Siberian Squirrel." "Its quite a line up, you have to say." "But up first, we have that very man, Simon Ammann, the double gold medal winner." "And he's crouched, and he's at the top of the hill, and he's off the 120-metre slope... speed the very essence here." "Good take off." "And that to me Motty looks very very long." "That's a good jump." "I'll tell you what there was some elegance there." "I wouldn't mind seeing that again you know." "He's literally gliding here" "The body and skis like a giant wing." "And you can see that the "V" shape of his skis increases the surface area and lift." "Arms spread to stabilise the landing..." "Looked good to us here in the commentary box." "And it's a stunning 132.5 metres." "That a terrific jump." "Now next up Jonathan, the Barnacle Goose." "Didn't expect to see him." "What?" " Not that little troublemaker again John?" "I'm afraid it is, it is yes." "There he is." "Do you think he can compete in this?" "I wouldn't have thought so." "I mean look at him." "He cannot be more than a day old;" "surely he's not a contender!" "Well it looks as though he means to be doesn't it." "Perky little chap." "And I'll tell you something else as well." "He's leading his parents on a wild goose chase." "Well they look worried and no wonder." "Surely he's not going to have a try is he?" "This is really scary almost, what we're going to see now." "There he goes." "Oh ho." "Goodness gracious me!" "Well I don't think I've ever seen that in major competition beforehand." "Oh, well." "Nice controlled landing, Completely unharmed!" "Proud parents..." "Or angry parents!" "Do you know, in Arctic Norway, they sometimes have to leap from cliffs 100 metres high to get from their nests to food?" "Yes, we're learning about these fellows, as we go along aren't we." "That jump was a doddle in comparison;" "let's see how he did it, shall we?" "Well he's only ittie bittie, there doesn't seem much of him but that's a good push away for safe clearance." "Those stubby wings stabilise his fall and keep him upright really, don't they?" "And there, those webbed feet increasing the surface area - and down he comes and literally parachutes down to that." "Yes, his legs acting as shock absorbers... and his fluffy down cushions the landing." "And that's a brave performance from our youngest competitor, a horizontal distance ofjust 5.3 metres." "Now then, a quick update on the cross-country." "Its all about speed and stamina." "Wolf, in first position is just past the 10K mark." "Let's take a closer look at this." "Tendons in the knee and ankle give spring-loaded action - driving the rear legs forwards." "And the strong hindquarters providing plenty of propulsion there." "That lean, muscular body is set on long, powerful legs." "Out in front." "And the wolf certainly looks to be a lean, mean ice and snow athletic machine." "Beautiful stride." "Really that bendy spine allows the stride to be so giant." "But behind the wolf, the reindeer, look, equally well equipped." "He even has snowshoes for feet!" "See how the hoof separates - there -just like going up a shoe size." "And that spreads the load stopping them sinking." "It's a real energy saver." "And of course it means the gallop is faultless, no slipping, no loss of speed." "Great to watch isn't it." "Real style." "He makes huge migrations of 5,000 kilometres often at speed." "The reindeer." "A natural born runner." "Now, Bjorn Daehlie, employs the skating technique - pushing out with alternate legs." "Amazing upper body strength, half of his power comes from here." "Sockeye, using the energy that propels them to spawning grounds, still 4th." "Waddling up the rear - the Emperors..." "Like a bunch of lost waiters." "That silly walk shifts weight without using muscle-power, saving energy on their 200 Kilometre journeys from their breeding grounds to the sea." "It's so slow." "Well they are thinking about something here." "A new tactic." "Ahh, taking the plunge - that might swing it for them." "Well it could." "I'll tell you what;" "they're ten times faster in water." "Now look at them go." "Sleek and streamlined." "Right up there with the salmon." "All that power from the wings, they're closing, and they literally fly past the salmon at 25 km an hour." "And I'll tell you something else, porpoising is even quicker, they're chasing a medal now." "Look at them go." "But meanwhile, in the cold endurance, the ice caves are now well and truly sub-zero." "The Musk Ox looks quite cosy!" "Her shaggy coat is windproof;" "it even has a woolly thermal lining." "As food ferments in her stomach it generates heat - like built-in central heating!" "Snug as bug in a rug." "Here's the ground Squirrel." "Out cold - hibernating." "But still breathing." "Just two breaths a minute now." "Only two heartbeats too." "And although his body is below zero he doesn't freeze - and no one knows why." "Well it's good to hear there are a few mysteries left in science JP." "Doesn't he look restful?" "But we do know a bit more about this guy though." "A painted turtle." "Oh yes, as he cools, his blood sugar level rises." "This stops his blood freezing - it acts like antifreeze." "Meanwhile, Wim Hof uses yoga." "He slows his heart and breathing rates to save energy and reduce heat loss." "Will mind over matter prevail?" "Well penguins can survive the long Antarctic winter - the coldest on earth." "They're covered with dense feathers and an under-layer of thick blubber" "Quite a penguin suit you'd say JP." "It's tough for the little ones - but they don't make sleeping bags as cosy as this!" "I wish they did." "Yes, and as the cold starts to bite JP let's see who's coming up next in the Ski jump." "John, it's the elusive snow leopard... all the way from the Himalayas and she should feel quite at home here today." "Looks ominous, doesn't she?" "Coolest customer here." "Now we've got former competitors here, watching, rather anxiously." "She's an ambush predator - used to leaping from a standing start." "Here goes..." "Oh, that's stunning." "What a stunning leap." "And a great landing too!" "A phenomenal leap without a run-up." "She should be pleased with that." "Its 15.1 metres!" "15.1." "That really is impressive." "Lets analyse that jump, Jonathan." "And what she did here, she targets her landing position." "Stretches her leg muscles, curves her back." "Then recoils like a spring, powering away with those long back legs." "And as she leaps she accelerates to an incredible 70 kilometres an hour." "It can leap further than any cat" "And that metre-long muscular tail stabilises herjump..." "Those piercing eyes lock her onto her landing point - front legs extend for the touchdown." "Notice the paws widen to spread the load." "Elbows bent to absorb impact." "Now the event we've all been waiting for..." "the Giant Slalom!" "We have from Antarctica, for the birds - the Gentoo Penguin." "And from Canada, for the mammals - the Canadian Otter." "And from Austria, representing humans, the famous Herman Maier." "But first, let's see what happened to Olympic Legend," "Hermann Maier, in an earlier performance..." "He got off to a great start..." "Then... absolute disaster" "He lost control there JP, at 110 kilometres per hour." "The big question now must be will he be fit to compete again?" "I'll tell you what this contestant must surely hope he isn't." "Now this is the Gentoo Penguin ready at the start gate." "A slow, rather ponderous start there on this 1500 metre course!" "...but he is really skiing!" "In nature, they ski if the slope's too steep for tobogganing..." "They're the only animal to ski on two feet just like us." "Not perhaps balletic." "Steady if not spectacular." "It's a last ditch effort." "Come on!" "Steady how... she slips." "Let's have a look at the time." "11 minutes 37 seconds - good performance but uh, I don't think that will gain him gold." "First up, the reindeer." "No sign of the bird competitor." "The Reindeer's doing well in the marathon but, will this one meet his match here." "Well there's the tiger waiting." "Still no sign of the missing competitor." "Bit of a mystery here." "Keeping everybody on tenterhooks" "It does!" " Could it be them?" " Oh I wonder?" "He's looking around." "Could it be them?" "Well we understand the competitor is a whooper swan and if they don't get a move on they're in danger of being disqualified." "They're just swanning around Jonathan!" "I am totally confused John." "And the team sheets aren't helping us out here." "Now who's this?" "I'm not quite sure myself." "But I'll tell you one thing;" "it's only a matter of seconds now until the official start time." "Whoever he is, he's leaving it very late." "And it's a question of whether he's going to make it." "Well, he's on the final straight now." "Yes, but the others are getting very impatient, you know." "I would call this a little bit of gamesmanship wouldn't you?" "Wants to be centre stage." "Bit of anxiety down there on the start line." "Should get a penalty for this I think." "Well he could even have been disqualified in my view." "Time is precious." "Certainly is!" "Hold on, hold on JP." "I think he's just going to make it in time." "Oh he is, and what a flying start!" "But John, look at this, that's great acceleration too from the Reindeer." "Oh it is and I think the swan is slowing!" "Reindeer... overtakes the swan..." "and crosses the line." "Yep, no doubt about it, Reindeer a clear winner!" "Through to the final with a race time ofjust 25.04 seconds." "That's a superb performance." "Let's see what happened once again." "Well the swan touches down at 30 km an hour." "But the reindeer accelerates from 0 to 65km in just a twinkle of a northern light." "Quickly catching up." "And let's take a closer look at those feet." "And what's noticeable there is the hoof's sharp edges cut into the ice." "Coarse hair between the hooves gives extra grip." "Good traction there." "And after keeping us all waiting, the swan lands on ice just as it does on water." "Wings control the descent." "Graceful." "Down came the undercarriage." "The legs..." "Webbed feet acted just like skis and those outstretched wings give stability." "Yeah, but his power is simply momentum - friction soon slows him down." "So the reindeer's explosive acceleration and that foot design prove decisive..." "Great performance - no slip-ups at all." "Well done." "Back at the cold endurance meanwhile a close eye is being kept on our human competitor" "Wim Hof." "His skin temperature has reached freezing point." "Can mind control help him now?" "He shivers to generate heat!" "He looks spooky doesn't he?" "Meanwhile, the turtle has fatty insulation under his shell as well as anti-freeze proteins in his blood." "Well I'll tell you something." "The strain is beginning to show." "Come on Wim!" "I wouldn't like to be in there." "The penguins are having a group hug." "Close contact cutting heat loss of course." "Oh." "He's gone, he's gone." "Wim Hof's out but he's still got a smile on his face." "Back at the ski jump, our final competitor is ready... the Siberian squirrel." "The smallest athlete in the Games, weighing just 100 grams." "Only 12cm long this one." "Yes, and I think you could say that he's eyeing up the opposition." "There's the snow leopard." "The gosling." "Hoping to dodge the predators and still hoping for bronze of course." "But surely here, Amman's gold is in the bag." "Well, we'll wait and see." "Good leap... oh there's a surprise... he's gliding." "Well!" "I didn't expect that." "Watch this." "Flying." "Soaring." "They can't believe their eyes - he's soared right over them." "And that is an unbelievable performance and he's jumping forjoy." "That has to be gold." "It is!" "216.7 metres!" "And disappointment for his rivals." "Well this is one of the highlights of the games." "There's no question about that." "We're going to have to see that soaring performance once again." "Explosive hind legs catapult him forward." "And the loose skin stretches to form a gliding membrane." "Tiny leg movements change its shape to control the glide." "And that flattened tail also helps him steer." "What a great jump it was." "Bouncing on landing lessens the impact." "Let's check the results." "So the flying squirrel leaps into first place with gold." "Simon Ammann gains silver for humans." "Yes, and the snow leopard walks away with Bronze for the mammals." "The smallest athlete in the games proved a real hi-flier here." "Now it's busy out there because we are going back to the cross country where the wolf is fighting to stay ahead." "He's plodding away." "But the Reindeer's in his element even in deep snow, look, and the wolf now beginning to find it hard." "Oops, oh the wolf slips, reindeer overtakes, wolf struggling to regain the lead." "And the Reindeer powering ahead." "Look at that speed." "And this is how he did it." "In deep snow the rear foot slips neatly into the front footprint there... perfect positioning." "The front foot compacts the snow;" "the rear takes advantage of the firmer surface." "So no wasted energy there at all." "No, absolutely in sync with the whole body and no signs of tiring by the way." "Paced himself beautifully." "Still heavy-going for the wolf." "Now, could this be an opportunity for Daehlie?" "Well it could be." "And looking at that I would say the Wolf is totally exhausted." "In fact, he's taking a breather." "The deep snow no issue for Daehlie as his skis spread the weight and he confidently slips into second place." "Emperor penguins closing the gap relegating the wolf to fourth position." "Another cold endurance contender meanwhile is calling time, John." "And of course it's the ground squirrel isn't it - his body temperature is 3 degrees below zero - that's his absolute limit." "Super shivering generates body heat, waking him from hibernation." "Well he looks wide-awake to me now." "And pretty jumpy too." "I don't think he's any the worse for his amazing subzero attempt." "But rather him than me John." "Now, meanwhile, let's go back to the Slalom." "The Canadian Otter is in start position." "Otters stick together in bachelor groups but he's performing on his own." "There's a crowd around him looking as if they are supporters but I've got a funny feeling they could get a bit rowdy you know." "We don't want hooligans at this particular Winter Games, do we?" "Someone's got to keep a close eye on them." "He's keeping a close eye on the course." "That's great leaping, positively bounding through the first gate." "And what about that good control on the turns." "This is a good start." "Oh, that's interesting, he's changed technique." "He's sliding to make the most of the slope." "The turns are tight but just look at what he's doing here." "What he's doing, he's taking the racing line through the gates." "That torpedo-shaped body perfect really for this event." "Great technique." "Well we were told to expect big things from the otters." "And he really looks as if he's enjoying himself, look!" "And what they do is just slide downhill for fun;" "they just can't resist an excuse for play, can they." "Lets hope... ohhhh I was going to say let's hope they don't join in with the fun." "This is hardly the time for fun!" "Oh, this is going to affect his chances surely, they don't seem to care?" "What's going on here JP?" "It's an individual event and they've spoilt it here." "Where are they going now?" "They've no regard for the rules at all!" "Well, what will the judges have to say about that I wonder?" "We're going to have to see a replay to decide what they are going to do." "Such a good start!" "Front legs tuck firmly into his side." "Drops onto his belly." "And that velvety coat of his is one of the smoothest in the animal kingdom." "His lithe body allows those precision turns." "And his muscular tail steers like a rudder - he's a real slippery character John, even if his friends were 'otter' order!" "But we've just heard from the judges that because they did all that after he crossed the finishing line." "The result still stands." "Well that's good news John." "Oh and so is this!" "Now despite that horrifying fall," "Herman Maier is back - they don't call him the Herminator for nothing." "Well they don't and what a great start." "Over 80kph - ballistic speed." "I'm going to enjoy this you know." "Superb balance through the gates." "Good speed." "This is skiing at its best isn't it?" "Edges of the skis being used." "I'm timing him here." "Oh, 1 minute 18.15 seconds!" "What a comeback!" "Herman Maier." "That's surely gold for the humans." "No wonder he's unhappy." "So humans gain gold, the otter for the mammals takes silver and Gentoo Penguin gets a welcome bronze." "So how do the team results stack up now then?" "Despite that Gold medal for the humans;" "the Mammals are just ahead with 6 points." "And, with a great display of true animal skiing, the Gentoo Penguin gained the bird's first medal and a single point." "In the speed-skating heats we've seen what both of these Winter athletes can do - judging from past form, this is going to be a close race!" "Relaxed the reindeer, isn't he?" "Starter getting ready." "Casey Fitzrandolph - look at the concentration there." "They're on the start line." "And they're off." "And it's a lightning start by the reindeer." "Fitzrandolph just behind." "Woah!" " A slip." "Fitzrandolph takes the lead!" "But what a recovery by the reindeer!" "Fitzrandolph struggling to catch up." "Who's going to get it?" "Who's going to get it?" "Over the line - victory for the reindeer." "He takes Gold in the 400 metres Speed Skating." "Breath taking." "Oh what a race." "And he's as cool as you like about it." "Looking around, so aware." "Taking in the audience applause." "So the final results of the Speed Skating " "The Reindeer takes gold," "Casey Fitzrandolph has to settle for a disappointing Silver." "Well let's calm things down a little bit and return to the Cold Endurance." "And it looks like the painted turtle has had enough..." "Well I'm not surprised." "His body temperature dropped to an incredible minus 18 degrees Centigrade using a technique called super-cooling." "The trick was to lose any body impurities that might cause ice to form " "He did this, believe it or not, by having a poo before freezing..." " Oh nice!" " Classy" "Wake up wake up, sleepy head, you've just won bronze!" "Well I'll tell you one thing; things are a little livelier in the cross-country... where the Reindeer dominates the race." "The penguins have surprised us all - they've shot from 5th to second." "Daehlie is still strong, holding third place." "The wolf's now in fourth, back on track, out of the deep snow, showing signs of recovery." "He's regaining lost ground fast." "Good race." "And look at this?" "The Emperor's in trouble - they've hit the wall... or rather a waterfall!" "I'm waiting for Daehlie." "He's going to steal second." "And the penguins are losing valuable time." "And here comes the wolf, snatching third." "And that means that the salmon can close fast." "The waterfall of course no barrier for the salmon." "Those muscular tails driving them up the falls." "The penguins, I think they, quite glad to get out of the water there JP." "They can't get beyond the waterfall." "They've got to get back onto the ice." "All of them that is." "That's got to hurt." "Oh oh oh." "Few problems." "Few problems." "They're plodding along again." "I say, where's the other fellow?" "There he is." "Out at last." "Bash." "Bit of a belly flop." "Now, a change of sport." "Highlights of the Ice Hockey final earlier today." "Team Canada keeping their cool despite an intimidating face off." "It was a fight for the puck as the polar bears showed their muscle." "Team Canada quickly gaining possession though." "The Polar bears relied on size and strength and showed little skill." "Time after time Team Canada dominated the game." "They played by the rules - polar bears, they don't have rules." "It's as simple as that." "No, I'm afraid that the game soon descended into a" "All rough and tumble." "Swiping at anything that moves." "Absolute mayhem." "Polar bears, they're just not team players." "They even started fighting among themselves." "And in the end they even took their aggression out on the ice." "This was absolutely disgraceful." "Well he may have found the puck in the end but he lost his head when it mattered." "Good to see the back of him." "Disqualified." "And rightly so." "There's no getting away from this, it's a disappointing result for the mammals." "Well that shameful behaviour by the polar bears has put the humans in top position with ten points - one ahead of the mammals!" "But can the mammals stage a come back by winning gold in the Cold Endurance?" "Motty, here come the Musk Ox, approaching the ice chambers and they look a bit unruly." "And their guy's looking restless, he could be in trouble." "But his fur coat is 4 inches thick and 8 times warmer than sheep's wool." "Hairy hooves make great warm slippers too." "But of course he needs food to generate body heat..." "And they know that the big guy's hungry..." "Now the penguins seem OK." "Don't forget, in the Antarctic winter, they survive 115 days without food." "And he's tucked up in the finest feather-down duvet." "Oh, that looks lovely, doesn't it?" "They take turns to warm up in the middle of the huddle - its 30 degrees warmer inside." "Without food the musk ox is feeling the chill." "They won't like him losing." "They've strong herding instincts - they stick together" "He's out and gets silver!" "This has worried me John." "Oh dear - it's not good enough for them - it's a pitch invasion!" "Oops here comes crowd control." "It's not wise to argue with a tiger..." "There's a bit of a stand off." "Well my message to you all would be run away." "He who growls loudest wins I think." "Order restored." "The penguins are still chilling out happily - it's absolutely phenomenal." "They've secured gold for the birds enduring minus 80 degrees centigrade - real champions!" "Yes, deservedly so there." "So that gives the birds their first Gold medal." "The musk ox takes silver." "And Bronze goes to the little painted turtle." "Let's go across to the sledging where the polar bear is seeing if he can redeem himself." "Oh no, there are the mates again." "Oh dear." "He takes his place on the line - a bit hesitant." "Yes, he knows he has to behave this time." "He doesn't seem quite so sure of himself does he?" "But he's off." "He's off." "Great acceleration -just like the speed skating." " Look at him go." " Oh oh." "Oh, but look at that, he's slowing down already." "Oh dear, he's hit trouble." "Grinding to a halt!" "Well I have to say it looked so promising for the polar bear but his fur is designed to grip the ice - not slide." "Oh dear, no control, no coordination, and at this rate Jim Shea looks certain for gold and the penguins for silver." "And I wonder, is he ever going to finish?" "Meanwhile, back in the cross-country." "The reindeer's still out in front, but he's panting heavily." "Yes, looking tired." "What's this?" "He's prancing!" "Don't laugh!" "He really is!" "Only reindeer can run like this you know." "If not dancing - then prancing... and it saves muscle power." "The bounce is caused by elastic tendons - it's a fatigue buster." "The reindeer's nose acts like an over-heating valve - it dumps excess heat." "All very well Jonathan but he's stopping!" "Now I wonder what happened here." "And of course it means John, that Daehlie's in with a chance now, he tucks himself in for the downhill run." "Oh, wolf in close 3rd... gap's closing... penguins on the hill." "They've got to get on with it, they've got to close." "And they're tobogganing!" "Remember, they can do this, its freestyle!" "Very exciting moment in the race." "They've snatched 3rd position now." "But can they keep it?" "I'm not so sure they can." "The wolf is going well..." "Overtaking!" "But the reindeer has lost all focus JP..." "He's eating... this will cost him!" "Now, where's Daehlie?" "He's poling like mad and the Reindeer's thrown it away." "And the wolf races to 2nd place..." "Plenty for the reindeer to chew over." "He can't believe it really." "And the wolf sprints the last kilometre" "Bjorn flat out." "Look at him going." "Reindeer really putting his foot down..." "He's back in the running." "Has he left it too late?" "Just 100 metres to go..." "What a come back, look at him fly..." "Wolf snaps at the heels of Bjorn, reindeer pushing through..." "Oh how close can you be?" "It's a photo finish..." "Fantastic race." "I think we're going to have to go straight to the replay for that one." "Here they come." "What a finish!" "And the reindeer wins by a nose." "Reindeer takes gold," "Daehlie silver and the Wolf bronze." "What a spectacular turnaround." "And the new champion of cross-country can lift his head in pride." "And as for Daehlie, his dreams of gold are dashed." "Hang on a minute, the tiger's not at all happy here." "And the reindeer's looking very anxious indeed." "I just wonder here whether we've got a urine test." "They're very hot on drugs of course in the Animal Winter Games." "As they should be." "Oh, could be trouble you know JP." "It's positive, ...and apparently there's hidden camera footage ofjust what he was doing in the race." "He's eating mushrooms - and they're the funny kind - hallucinogenic fly agaric in fact." "That doesn't look good for the reindeer." "Well his gold must surely hang in the balance here." "Let's go back to the course where the emperor penguins are arriving and don't they look shattered?" "It's been a long way for them, but there's a warm family welcome at the finish line." "Aw, that should pick them up a bit..." "Oh yes, that a very touching reunion you might say." "I think dad is going to take his turn at babysitting - it's second nature to them, isn't it?" "The complete modern penguin of course!" "Now we are waiting this result with some anxiety Jonathan." "What's the news?" "It's good news for the reindeer," "As mushrooms are an essential part of his natural diet;" "I'm being told... they can't be banned." "Let's have a look and see how the win affects the final results." "It's extraordinary!" "As the winter games draws to a close" "Mammals and humans have drawn with 15 points each... but hold on..." "Now in the last moments, can the polar bear pull off a miracle for the mammals?" "It's not looking hopeful, that fur coat's still slowing him down." "Yeah, I think we were a bit optimistic" "I reckon, they've given up" "He hasn't!" "No." "He's gotta complete in the next 30 seconds or he'll be in for his third disqualification." "Got to finish!" "They've given up on him!" "They've gone!" "Determination." "Haha, just watch that clock - seconds left." "Chin up!" "Go on push!" "Push!" "Can he pull off the impossible?" "He's trying so hard!" "Look at him." "Inch by inch." "And he's done it!" "Not a second to spare." "The polar bear decides the outcome of the Animal Winter Games." "It's victory for the Mammals by one point JP." "Look at the crowd, they really appreciate it." "Well, they're celebrating and no wonder." "It's a fantastic result for the mammals giving them 16 points," "Humans just one point behind with 15." "Birds take third place with just 6 points" "So as the medals are awarded, mammals are overall Winter Games winners." "They are!" "But all the competitors, both human and animal, have shown incredible sporting prowess today." "Let's hope the icy regions of the world survive so that all our athletes can keep practising and perfecting their winter skills."