HomeRACING HEADFIRST AT 135 KPH
Skeleton racing is the oldest competitive sled racing sport in the world, and the sport from which both Bobsled and Luge evolved. Its origins date back to the late 19th Century, when the toboggans in Europe were inspired by Canadian/Native sleds and Norwegian sleds used by fishermen. In 1882, English soldiers built a toboggan track from Davos to Klosters in Switzerland. Ten years later, an Englishman named L.P. Child built a metal sled with a skeletal frame, hence the name “skeleton racing.” In 1906, the first Austrian championships were held, followed by the rapid spread of the sport. In 1928, skeleton made its Olympic debut in St. Moritz, Switzerland. After that, 20 years passed before Skeleton racing was granted an encore Olympic appearance at the 1948 Games, again in St. Moritz.
In 1999, Skeleton was re-introduced into the 2002 Olympics as a full medal sport. The 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City marked the first time in 54 years that Skeleton was once again a full-medal Olympic sport… and it was here to stay.
Skeleton’s uniqueness stems from the subtle differences between itself and the sports of bobsled and luge. Athletes descend the track headfirst on top of a sled, instead of sitting upright within the walls of a sleigh or on their backs as in luge. Each competitor dawns a helmet with a chin guard to prevent facial injuries that can result from the bouncing and banging as the sled reaches speeds in excess of 135 kph. The primary goal is to cross the finish line with the fastest time, which requires the athletes to guide the sled along the shortest line down the track while avoiding contact with the walls. To get the fastest speeds possible, the race begins with athletes carrying their sleds, sprinting from the start block and diving on top of the sled stomach down, with hands at their sides and toes pointed.
The key elements to a skeleton race are the "push" at the start and the competitor's ability to “drive.” Because there are no steering mechanisms on a skeleton sled, driving is achieved through applying pressure with shoulders and knees to flex the sled and change its line.
EQUIPMENT
Skeleton sleds have maximum weight restriction of 35 kilograms for women and 43 kilograms for men. The components of a skeleton sled are:
Skeleton racing is the oldest competitive sled racing sport in the world, and the sport from which both Bobsled and Luge evolved. Its origins date back to the late 19th Century, when the toboggans in Europe were inspired by Canadian/Native sleds and Norwegian sleds used by fishermen. In 1882, English soldiers built a toboggan track from Davos to Klosters in Switzerland. Ten years later, an Englishman named L.P. Child built a metal sled with a skeletal frame, hence the name “skeleton racing.” In 1906, the first Austrian championships were held, followed by the rapid spread of the sport. In 1928, skeleton made its Olympic debut in St. Moritz, Switzerland. After that, 20 years passed before Skeleton racing was granted an encore Olympic appearance at the 1948 Games, again in St. Moritz.
In 1999, Skeleton was re-introduced into the 2002 Olympics as a full medal sport. The 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City marked the first time in 54 years that Skeleton was once again a full-medal Olympic sport… and it was here to stay.
Skeleton’s uniqueness stems from the subtle differences between itself and the sports of bobsled and luge. Athletes descend the track headfirst on top of a sled, instead of sitting upright within the walls of a sleigh or on their backs as in luge. Each competitor dawns a helmet with a chin guard to prevent facial injuries that can result from the bouncing and banging as the sled reaches speeds in excess of 135 kph. The primary goal is to cross the finish line with the fastest time, which requires the athletes to guide the sled along the shortest line down the track while avoiding contact with the walls. To get the fastest speeds possible, the race begins with athletes carrying their sleds, sprinting from the start block and diving on top of the sled stomach down, with hands at their sides and toes pointed.
The key elements to a skeleton race are the "push" at the start and the competitor's ability to “drive.” Because there are no steering mechanisms on a skeleton sled, driving is achieved through applying pressure with shoulders and knees to flex the sled and change its line.
EQUIPMENT
Skeleton sleds have maximum weight restriction of 35 kilograms for women and 43 kilograms for men. The components of a skeleton sled are:
- Runners - Each sled slides on a pair of steel runners that are made of 1-inch round tubing with two grooves that run along the last half to aid in steering.
- Saddle – During the start, the athlete uses the saddle to push the sled prior to loading. While descending the track, the saddle holds the slider in place on top of the sled.
- Helmet - Each athlete must wear a helmet with a chin guard to prevent injuries to their face.
- Speed Suit – Skin tight suits are worn to minimize drag and maximize aerodynamics.
- Spikes - The athletes wear spiked shoes to maintain traction while pushing the sled at the start.
- Skeleton Sled – Weighing up to 35 kilograms for women and 43 kilograms for men, these sleds allow athletes to reach speeds of 135+ kph.
Sponsors
