What is the skeleton sport?

The "skeleton" is a sport in which the competitor slides headfirst down a track while riding a sled. Since 2002, skeleton has been officially included in the Winter Olympics, although it did appear earlier in the games, in 1928 and 1948.

Skeleton's origins, as a racing form of sleighing, came from the Swiss village of St. Moritz, where it was popular with the wealthy tourists. There the sport was further developed, and a course was built, called the Cresta Run.

Skeleton sleds have no brakes; and, according to the rules, any competitor attempting to slow down is automatically disqualified. The game gets its name from the sled's frame and its general likeness to an actual skeleton.