Bob Skeleton

Bob Skeleton, a winter sport, part of the Winter Olympics programme, in which a sledge is ridden down an ice track headfirst. The bob skeleton is similar to the luge and bobsleigh events and developed like them from the sport of tobogganing that originated in Alpine ski resorts in the 19th century. It was given its name in reference to the fact that early versions of the sledge were said to look like skeletons.

The bob skeleton sledge weighs up to 33 kg (72 lb) in the men’s event and 29 kg (64 lb) in the women’s event. Because gravity takes a heavier slider down the course faster than a lighter athlete, there are also maximum weight restrictions to prevent unfair advantages and ballast can be added to the bob skeleton if underweight. The sledges measure between 80 and 120 cm (31 and 47 in) long and 34 to 38 cm (13 to 15 in) wide; depending on the track, they can reach speeds of more than 145 km/hr (80 mph) and G-forces of more than 5 can be experienced by sliders. The bob skeleton travels at a height of around 20 cm (8 in) above the surface of the ice. There are no brakes on the bob skeleton and sliders stop it by dragging their feet along the ice. The slider manoeuvres the sledge around the curves and hairpins by shifting his or her weight. The bob skeleton has two handles on top, which the slider uses for pushing the sledge away at the start. Sliders wear all-in-one slick suits, protective helmet and visor, gloves, and spiked shoes.

In bob skeleton competition each slider takes two runs. The order for the second run is determined by the time of the first run, with the fastest slider going last. The two fastest times combined decide the winner.

The sport's governing body, the Fédération Internationale de Bobsleigh et Tobagganing (FIBT), was formed in 1923 and is based in Milan, Italy.

The bob skeleton was one of the original winter sports, developed in the European Alps at the end of the 19th century. The Cresta Run, an icy track, was first built at St Moritz in Switzerland in 1885. The major annual event there is known as the Grand National. The bob skeleton event was part of the Olympic itinerary in 1928 and 1948. The first running was dominated by the American brothers Jennison and John Heaton. In 1948 (at St Moritz), John Heaton again finished second, behind the greatest ever bob skeleton slider Nino Bibbia, a master of the famous Cresta Run. The bob skeleton was discontinued for many years because of its perceived danger, but was revived for the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. A women’s event was also instituted at this time. Both gold medals were won by American sliders. Other competitions include national championships, European Championships, World Championships, and an annual World Cup series.