Team GB bobsleigh squad member Bruce Tasker has told reporters that he "never envisioned being a Winter Olympian" several years ago, but added that he is "glad" to have found the sport.
Tasker, who hails from Manorbier in Pembrokeshire, was part of the British crew that won silver at the World Cup in Lake Placid before Christmas - Great Britain's first men's bobsleigh medal at that level in 16 years - and took second at the recent European Championships.
"We've been together for three full seasons now and it's an exciting team to be in," the 26-year-old told Wales Online.
"Last year we missed the World Championship podium by seven hundredths of a second and I was working in a pub nine hours a day, on top of training, and that took its toll. This year I've been a full-time athlete and I think the difference is there to see.
"Four years ago being here was a crazy thought. I never envisioned being a Winter Olympian but I'm just so glad that I found the sport."
Tasker, who is currently based at the team's preparation camp in Konigssee, Germany, won't be involved in Friday's opening ceremony.