Championship finals in Europe this week.

The 22-year-old student sped down the icy track in Innsbruck, Austria at a speed of 105 kilometres per hour during the competition, which attracted competitors from around the globe.

Singleton, whose final position was still not available yesterday, said he was pleased with his efforts at his first ever such championship.

"I feel completely exhilarated,'' said Singleton, after the final race. "In the finals I had two really good, clean runs.

"I am more than happy with my recorded time of 53 seconds. This is really exciting as it is my first World Championships.'' Earlier the Bermudian participated during an impressive opening ceremony, marching between the much more renowned winter sport countries of Belgium and Bosnia.

Athletes then assembled on the ski slopes while the lugers slid by in a parade of old and modern sleds, against a backdrop of fireworks, silhouetting the Alps behind.

The University of North Carolina senior had been training with the Korean and Taiwanese national teams in advance of the championships.

Singleton is the son of Coral Beach tennis professional Derek and Sallie Singleton of Southampton.

Patrick Singleton