Bobsledder’s Solo Run Down St. Moritz Track
In an unusual turn of events, American bobsledder Kris Horn found himself racing down the St. Moritz track alone in a four-man sled. The incident occurred when his three teammates – Ryan Rager, Hunter Powell, and Caleb Furnell – were unable to get into the sled after Horn, who was driving, had already entered. The driver is always the first to get in, following standard procedure.
The four-man sled is designed to distribute weight evenly, with a brakeman responsible for stopping the sled at the end of the run.
Rager seemed to trip, which started a chain reaction. Powell was thrown towards the wall of the track and hit his back on the ice after failing to get on the sled. Furnell was unable to reach his spot.
Fortunately, none of the athletes were seriously injured. The team reported that all X-rays came back clear.
“A little sore,” Powell told The Associated Press. “I should be fine in a couple days.”
Despite being alone, Horn sped down the track, reaching high speeds. He steered the sled across the finish line and then pulled the brakes himself. The run lasted a little over a minute.
After the sled came to a stop, athletes and coaches from various national teams rushed to check on Horn. He waved to the cameras to show that he was okay. Horn, who started his bobsledding career as a brakeman, demonstrated his experience and skill in handling the situation.
Horn was also involved in a crash during the two-man World Cup race. Carsten Vissering, his brakeman for that race, suffered some scrapes and bruises. As a result, Rager took Vissering’s place on the four-man sled.
There is only one World Cup race weekend left before the USA Bobsled and Skeleton Federation chooses its team for the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics next month. This remaining race is crucial for athletes hoping to secure a spot on the Olympic team.
The unexpected event highlighted the risks involved in bobsledding. Despite the potential dangers, the athletes’ quick thinking and training helped prevent any serious injuries. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and preparedness in this high-speed sport.
