Skeleton

Skeleton sport originated in Switzerland, where tobogganing was particularly popular with spa guests. In 1887, a rider lying on his stomach dared to ride head first on the ice track between St. Moritz and Celerina. And so the skeleton sport was born.

Since the sport of skeleton was reserved for a predominantly elite circle, bobsleigh sport developed at the end of the 19th century and almost a century later, bobsleigh skeleton.

Skeleton has been an integral part of both men's and women's Winter Olympics since 2002. Before that it was only in 1928 and 1948, both times in St. Moritz (Switzerland), on the program of the Olympic Winter Games.

The skeleton is a speed competition in which athletes race through an ice track with a low sled called a skeleton at top speeds of up to 130 km/h. The sled is steered by shifting the weight of the driver lying on his stomach (in contrast to luge).

The skeleton consists of a solid steel frame with steel runners and has a track width of 38 cm. The sled length may be between 80 cm and 120 cm and the overall height may be between 8 cm and 20 cm.

The regulations stipulate a minimum weight of 33 kg for women and men and may not exceed a maximum weight of 37 kg or 43 kg for men. A total weight is also prescribed: the women may not exceed a total weight (sled, body, equipment) of 95 kg, for the men 115 kg.