skeleton

What is it

The sport is Skeleton. Skeleton is one of the most daring events of the Olympic Winter Games. It involves plummeting head-first down the same track as Luge and Bobsleigh, on a tiny sled reaching speeds of up to 135km/h. Gravitational G Forces hold the sled and athletes on the wall of a banked turn and on some tracks, the “G” force exerted on an athlete can exceed five G’s

Where does it take place

Skeleton races are held on outdoor bobsled and luge courses that are about 1,200 to 1,600 meters (1,313 to 1,750 yards) long and 1.4 meters (4.59 feet) wide. Speeds can reach 144 kilometers (90 miles) per hour. Competitors race against time. The individual with the lowest combined time overall wins the competition. Races are held for both men and women.

Clothing and equipment

Brakes

There are no brakes. Competitors attempting to slow down on the course are disqualified. At the end of the run the

athlete slows the sled down with his or her feet.

Clothing and equipment

Bumpers

Front and rear bumpers absorb shocks and protect the athlete from the wall.

Clothing and equipment

Frame

Early frames bore a vague resemblance to a skeleton, which is how the sport acquired its name.

Clothing and equipment

Gloves

These are usually made of leather and worn for protection.

Clothing and equipment

Handles

Handles are used for the start push and during the race. They must be covered with soft material.

Clothing and equipment

Helmet

All competitors must wear helmets, which are hard plastic and equipped with a chin guard and visor.

Clothing and equipment

Racing suit

The racing suit is a tight-fitting bodysuit made of elastic fabric that may have padding sewn into the elbows.

Clothing and equipment

Shoes

They are made of synthetic material and have spikes on the soles for traction during the start push.

Clothing and equipment

Sled

The sled is made of two runners. The frame must be constructed of steel. The same sled must be used in all the heats of the competition. It may weigh no more than 43kg

for men and 35kg for women.

The different events in the sport

Similar sport to skeleton is luge and bobsled.

luge bobsled

Judging–who wins

You win in skeleton by getting the fastest timing, how fast you went down the track. You can come in places 1, 2 and 3.

skeleton

Fantastic work Bailey. Wonderful information and great presentation, but it would have been better if you had written in your own words, not copied straight from the internet. Perhaps some sound, transitions and animations would be good too. You also need to cite where the information came from. But overall, well done. 20/5/14