The XVIII Winter Olympics took place from 7th to 22nd February 1998. The Winter Games returned to Japan after a break of 26 years. The Games were opened at the Minami Sports Park by His Majesty the Emperor Akihito in front of 2 176 athletes from 72 nations taking part in 68 events.
Curling, women’s Hockey and Snowboarding appeared in the official programme for the first time.
The Principality of Monaco put forward 5 athletes for the Bobsleigh event in Japan, the country of the rising sun. A 2-man crew and a 4-man crew.
Behind a Sumo wrestler, the Monegasque delegation with its head of mission, Solange Ragazzoni
- In the 2-man bobsleigh event, with Gilbert Bessi as pilot, teaming up with Jean-François Calmes, the Principality’s representatives ranked 24th out of 39.
- In the 4-man bobsleigh event, with Hereditary Prince Albert as pilot, teaming up with Gilbert Bessi, Pascal Camia and Jean-François Calmes, the Principality's representatives finished 28th out of 32.
- Emmanuel Zampori was the substitute for the Monegasque team.
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S.A.S. Le Prince Albert II
H. E. Ms. Yvette Lambin-Berti
