 |
|  |
No bones about it, skeleton is a lot scarier than the kind of sledding kids are used to. Dating back to the late 1800s, it's thought to be the first and oldest sliding sport. Skeleton got its name in 1892 when a new sled was unveiled. This sled was a rack of metal that looked like a skeleton to some people and the name stuck. This year, skeleton will make its third Olympic appearance since its debut in 1928. It last appeared in 1948.
The Rules of the Game
How do you play skeleton? Lay belly-down on your sled facing down the course. Then slide down the course as fast as you can until you reach the finish line. The fastest time wins. There is a men's competition and, for the first time ever, a women's competition. A sledder's gear includes a skeleton sled, a helmet, spiked shoes to grip the ice and a suit for warmth.
Ones to Watch
New York's Jim Shea, a third-generation Olympian, has won many skeleton titles and is one of the top skeleton riders. Lea Ann Parsley is also one to watch. She started out learning how to bobsled until she saw skeleton and fell in love with it.
