Browning likely to compete at 1994 Games

If Kurt Browning wins an Olympic gold medal in figure skating next week, and survives the ordeal without aggravating his bad back, chances are he'll stick around and defend that championship at the 1994 Winter Games in Norway.

There are a number of compelling practical reasons why he might decide to remain in amateur competition. No. 1 has to do with - you guessed it - money. Under liberalized eligibility rules, it could be a lot more profitable for him to continue what he's been doing so brilliantly, rather than become an out-and-out professional. For instance, his major sponsor will apparently hike his 1992 income by $ 750,000 if he accomplishes the expected and outpoints weak opposition at the Albertville rink Feb. 13 and 15.

The fundamental point is he'd be a lot better off to continue as Canada's No. 1 skater for two more seasons. In that capacity, he'd dominate the international scene, like a champion in tennis, golf or downhill skiing, his prestige expanding steadily. And be well worth sums like 750 Gs per annum.

REPORTS INVESTIGATED

German Olympic officials said Friday they were investigating reports that a star bobsledder spied on his former East German teammates for the Stasi secret police.

A German newspaper identified the alleged informer as Harald Czudaj, a member of the four-man bobsled team that won at the European championships last week and is considered a contender for a medal here.

The paper, Dresdenner Neueste Nachrichten, said Czudaj, 28, wrote at least 10 reports to Stasi about athletes and officials of the Dynamo bobsled club in Altenberg, East Germany, since 1988. The paper said he spied on teammates Alexander Szelig, Axel Jang and Tino Bonk. The four won the European four-man title together and are entered for the Olympics.

BURKE PLAY KEY

The Americans say it is Sean Burke's medal to lose.

"Team Canada has the goaltending," says Team USA defenceman Moe Mantha. "If he's hot the Canadians can win it all."

The Swedes say the same thing. They can remember an exhibition game last month when they fired 48 shots at the Team Canada net and wound up losing, 2-1.

"With Sean Burke, Canada has an experienced goalie who can win a game all by himself," says Hakan Loob.

WEATHER WATCH

There was ample snow at skiing sites, but sunny and 12C weather caused speed skaters to worry about the deteriorating condition of the ice in the outdoor Olympic Oval.

BAD START

CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz and his wife, Lorrie, were robbed while they slept in their room at the Hotel Million in Albertville on their first night in France.