Tracy's World

What would entice someone to join a sport named the “Skeleton”? The name alone would cause me to re-think any thoughts I might have that entertain lying belly down on a small sled while enduring forces up to 5g’s as I rocket down a frozen track. The Skeleton, how did they come up with that name? Leaves a lot to the imagination. Could it have to do with the fact that the sleds used in Skeleton have no steering or braking devices? I think Curling would be a better sport for me!

Actually, the sport was named when someone commented that a new metal sled, first used in 1892, resembled a skeleton. The bare-bones design provided a compact sled with metal runners, and the design caught on quickly.

How does one play Skeleton? To start, a skeleton slider grasps the handles on either side of the sled, runs as fast as possible for approximately 55 yards then dives head first onto the sled and speeds down the Labyrinth. Sliders lie on their stomachs and steer by shifting their bodies very slightly and dragging their feet. Wow, how does that sound for fun?

Of course, the equipment the sliders use plays an extremely important role in the sport. Not only is the apparatus of the sled critical, the suit and helmet are paramount in shaving hundredths of a second off the final time. It has been determined that different helmet styles work better for different sliders, which means it is important that each slider find the helmet best suited to the way they ride the sled. It seems that our 2010 Olympians have taken great pride in their helmets this year. There are some very unique and and creative helmets out there. You had better watch closely to see the decorations, as they are traveling at speeds of up to 77 miles per hour down the track!  Check these out!