Ending weeks of speculation about his future, the Bermuda luge phenomenen yesterday confirmed that he will dedicate the next four years -- and perhaps the next eight -- toward a return to the Winter Olympics.

Singleton, who became just the second ever Bermudian to compete in a Winter Games when he represented the Island in Nagano this past February, was as late as last month reluctant to commit himself toward the upcoming World Cup season because of financial concerns.

But after talks with his family, the Bermuda Olympic Association and Bermuda Luge Federation founder Simon Payne, Singleton says he "intends on really, really shooting for 2002.'' "Making the decision was the hardest part. Deep down I always wanted to go for it but you have to realise, if the money's not there, the racing's not there.'' Singleton has said that at least $15,000 is needed annually to compete on the World Cup luge circuit. Confirmation of a BOA grant and its exact ammount will not be known until later this summer but Singleton is optimistic enough that he has already ordered parts to transform the battered, second-hand sled that got him through the Olympics into a more technologically-advanced one.

And training for the World Cup circuit, beginning in November, will start almost immediately.

Singleton, 23, leaves today for Japan, where he will work as a sports journalist at an English-language newspaper in Tokyo. Moreover, he will get in valuable summer training on the Olympic luge track.

He has not yet determined his World Cup schedule or base but hopes to catch on with the US Luge Federation and train with the American team for the next four years.

The thought of four years preparation on the 2002 track has Singleton thinking well beyond his 27th-place finish in Nagano. With continued backing he sees himself on the medal podium by 2006.

"I've set a goal for the top ten (in 2002),'' he said. "Anything can happen but you have to aim high. If you don't, you'll never make it. And this is definitely plausible.'' Singleton became a folk hero leading up to -- and during -- the Games. He was the subject of an IBM commercial, showing him riding atop the family car as it drove along Horseshoe Beach. And he became a favourite with the Japanese media, prompting the job offer. Although he does not have a journalistic background, he is a graduate in communications from Elon College in North Carolina.

In additon to training, Singleton -- with help from his family -- will largely be overseeing the Bermuda Luge Federation.

He hopes a summer luge camp can be established on the Island next year to lure others to the sport.