Three Otago representatives - Tom Davie, Chris Donaldson and Willie Trew - have been named in the New Zealand bobsleigh team for the world championships in the United States next month.
United Kingdom-based Alan Henderson will pilot both the two and four-man teams.
Trew and Donaldson will compete in the two-man bobsleigh, and will be joined by Sam Higgie (Auckland) and Davie (23) in the four-man races.
Carl Condliffe (Wellington) will be the reserve for both events.
Donaldson (33), the New Zealand men's 100m champion in athletics, has already competed at a world championships in his other sport.
Bobsleigh is a sport that demands speed and Donaldson, Davie and Higgie come from a sprinting background in athletics, and Trew from rugby.
New Zealand coach Gerd Grimme said the selection was based on the results of the America's Cup season, combined with physical testing in Dunedin last week.
The final decision on team composition in the two-man and four-man events will be made during training prior to competition at Lake Placid from February 16 to March 1.
The New Zealand bobsledders have achieved a remarkable rise in their sport after being selected through a talent identification initiative through the New Zealand Academy of Sport (South Island) less than a year ago.
They achieved two third places in international races in Canada late last year, their push time of 5.28sec breaking a New Zealand record.
Given their current performances, winter programme director Ashley Light is looking for a top 10 finish from the world championship event.
The New Zealand team gained two podium finishes during the America's Cup campaign.
"Racing and test results suggest we should expect some positive results," Light said.
"The worlds will offer excellent experience for the team in their preparation for selection for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver in 2010."
NZ bobsleigh team
For world championships
Tom Davie (Otago), Chris Donaldson (Otago), Alan Henderson (UK), Sam Higgie (Auckland), Willie Trew (Otago).
Reserve: Carl Condliffe (Wellington).
