Bobsled

Bobsled, also called bobsleigh, is a fast winter sport. Teams of two or four people race down an icy track in a sled. They push the sled to get going, then jump in. The sled goes very fast as it zooms through twists and turns. The fastest team wins the race.

The Sled and Track

A bobsled has metal runners that slide on ice. The sled is shaped like a bullet to cut through the air. The track is a long tube of ice with steep turns. The driver uses ropes to steer the sled. The brakeman pulls a lever to stop at the end.

Racing Fast

Bobsleds can go over 80 miles per hour. The start is very important because a fast push helps the whole run. Teams wear helmets and tight suits. The track has banked turns that push the sled sideways. Even a tiny mistake can slow a team down.

Fun Facts

• Bobsled started in the late 1800s in Switzerland.
• Jamaica once had a famous bobsled team, even though the country has no snow.
• Bobsled riders feel forces stronger than an astronaut launching into space.

Did You Know?

The first bobsleds were made from two small sleds joined together with a board.