It might be a slippery slope to insanity, but skeleton has become a real hit with spectators at the Olympic Winter Games. Here are five reasons why you can’t miss it PyeongChang 2018:
Amusing beginnings
Skeleton was born in the late 19th century in Switzerland, when wealthy (and slightly sozzled) Brits slid through the streets of St Moritz on their bellies, leading disgruntled locals to label them skeletons. Soon people started doing it competitively, using the famous Cresta Run in the town.
Daredevils
There aren’t many things more perilous than careering face first down a tunnel of ice at 80mph. Add to that the bends and severe G-force and you have a severely scary sport. Little wonder that skeleton has been described as ‘a slippery slope to insanity’.
Technology
Although it looks like the racers are lying on a metal tea tray, the skeleton sled is a serious bit of kit. It consists of a steel frame, composite pod, steel saddle and two runners. Team GB worked with BAE systems to create their sledges in the run-up to the last two Olympics, resulting in back-to-back gold medals for their women.
No need for extra #MondayMotivation for #GBSkeleton – being back on ice last week raised the bar for @MadelaineESmith & co #Winteriscoming pic.twitter.com/vCMQasj8XB
— GBBobsleighSkeleton (@The_BBSA) August 14, 2017
Comeback event
Skeleton featured in the Winter Games in 1928 and 1948 (for men only) and was then dropped (boo). Thankfully it made a comeback in 2002 in Salt Lake City for both men and women and has become a real hit with spectators.
GB’s golden sport
Despite the Brits being behind the idea of the Olympic Winter Games, let’s be honest , they have never really been that good. Skeleton is the exception though. It’s been their golden sport and they’re the only country to have won a medal in every Games since the sport was reintroduced in 2002. In fact Amy Williams and Lizzy Yarnold claimed back-to-back golds in 2010 and 2014.
