Skeleton

winter sports · sliding · speed · olympics

Tiny fast sled. A skeleton sled is much smaller and lighter than a bobsled, and riders lie flat on their bellies going headfirst down the track. The sled itself might be named for looking like a skeleton's ribcage.

Frozen track racing. Athletes race down the same icy tracks used for bobsleigh and luge, which twist and turn through mountains and can be over a mile long. The riders have to steer with tiny movements of their body weight.

Incredibly speedy. Skeleton athletes can reach speeds of over 90 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest non-motorized sports in the world. They have to push the sled at the start and then jump on for the wild ride.

Strong and brave. Skeleton riders need incredible core strength to control the sled at high speeds and bravery to trust their skills on the icy track. They wear helmets and leather suits to stay safe and reduce wind resistance.

Olympic event. Skeleton has been an official Winter Olympic sport since 2002, with competitions for both men and women around the world.