Skeleton

What is skeleton racing?

Skeleton racing is one form of bobsledding, which is like riding on a waterslide made of ice. It is an outdoor sport in which the rider rides a sled down a track made of ice.

How to sled

Holding onto the sled, the rider takes a running start on the track and jumps onto the board, lying face-first on his/her stomach. Riders steer the sled by moving parts of their bodies, leaning their shoulders or legs to try to keep the sled in the middle of the track for a faster race, and dragging their foot onto the ice to slow the sled and prevent it from skidding off course. Speeds can reach 80 miles per hour.

How to win

Each rider races down the course four times. The four race times are added up, and the rider with the lowest time wins.

Equipment

Helmet – worn to protect the head. It looks like the type of helmet worn by motorcycle and racecar drivers.
Shoes – like soccer shoes, with cleats. The shoes have steel spikes to dig into the ice and help the racer get a faster running start.
Suit – a one-piece body suit made of spandex.
Sled – has a flat board for the rider to lie on. Attached below it are two runners that look like skate blades that run over the ice.  

Sport lingo

Track – the race course, which must be over 1,300 yards long
Push – the running start and jump onto the sled