Erin Hamlin makes history in Sochi with first U.S. luge singles medal

KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia – Erin Hamlin accomplished something Tuesday night no other U.S. athlete has done in a half century of trying: She ended the United States' deep freeze in the singles luge.

Hamlin captured the bronze medal and broke a 50-year U.S. streak with no medals in the event – an 0-for-forever hole that has existed since the luge was introduced as a sport in the 1964 Innsbruck Winter Games. Including the three medals awarded in the men's event on Sunday, the U.S. men's and women's programs had failed in 81 medal opportunities leading up to Tuesday.

"It's surreal," Hamlin said. "…I came here with no expectations and this is beyond what I imagined."