Skeleton

Skeleton is an individual, sledding, winter sport where competitors drive the sled in a prone, head-first position down an ice track on a sled or 'sleigh'. This differs from luge, where the rider drives the sled from a supine, feet-first orientation. This Olympic sport is known in some parts of the world as tobogganing. It takes its name from the stripped-down sled, which originally was a bare frame, like a skeleton.

Skeleton is the oldest known sledding sport. It originates from St. Moritz, Switzerland, where in 1884 the Cresta run was built by Major Bulpetts. The following year, the first annual Grand National was organised, which continues as the premier race in the sport. For many years, Skeleton competitions were conducted only in St. Moritz. When the Winter Olympic Games were held there in 1928 and 1948, the event was included in the program. Skeleton returned a third time at the 2002 Games.