Photo: Calgary, 2005 World Championships (from David Mayer)
Photo: Calgary, 2005 World Championships (from David Mayer)
What is skeleton?
Skeleton is a winter sport where participants--"sliders"--sprint roughly 30 meters while pushing a sled, before hopping on belly/headfirst and sliding down an ice track at speeds approaching 80 mph or 130 kph (and a peak force of 4G's) for approximately a minute. There are no brakes, and steering is done with subtle movements of the body. In 2002, skeleton became an official Olympic sport, joining its cousin sports luge and bobsled.
About This Site
Hi, I'm a skeleton slider who launched NewSliders.com to provide a general overview of this obscure sport. See the FAQ for more info including how to try it, if you're adventurous enough (basically anyone can). While you're here, please consider completing a brief survey to improve the site, or post to my forum, thanks!
This site was mentioned in a Wall Street Journal feature story on skeleton.
My book review of "Headfirst: The Olympic Success Story of Skeleton."
My commentary on the US skeleton federation's misconduct. It was written in 2006-2007 and is outdated in light of positive USBSF reforms.