Skeleton

Skeleton got its name from the sled used — originally metal, now fiberglass and metal — as it resembles a human skeleton. To start, a skeleton slider grasps the handles on either side of the sled, runs as fast as possible for approximately 50 metres, then dives head first onto the sled. Sliders lie on their stomachs and steer by shifting their bodies very slightly.

Skeleton athletes train up to six days a week, two to six hours per day, depending on the phase of training they are in.

Most of the speed building is done in late summer as the athletes need to build a strong fitness base for the competitive season that begins in late October. The training program for skeleton athletes is developed to allow them to be well-rested and at their fastest in February for the World Championships. Like many other sports, skeleton sliders taper, or lessen their volume of training, a few weeks out from their biggest competitions.

Following the May and June competitive season, skeleton athletes turn their focus to individual areas of improvement while maintaining the speed from the competitive season. They then integrate higher training volumes and speed drills come July and August. When not on the ice track, skeleton athletes seek out mountain bike trails and other complementary sports to help with mental agility and quick reaction time.


taken from:
http://www.vancouver2010.com


Canadian Mellisa Hollingsworth doing her part to advertise the upcoming Vancouver Olympics.