bobsled

Sport that consists of racing down an icy track on a two- or four-person bobsled; bobsleds reach speeds of over 85 mph.

two-person bobsled

Bobsled designed for a crew of two (a captain and a brakeman); it is shorter and lighter than the four-person bobsled.

four-person bobsled

Bobsled: vehicle on runners that has steering and braking systems; the four-person bobsled team includes a captain, two crewmen and a brakeman.

shell

Aerodynamic compartment that is usually made of fiberglass; a crew whose weight is less than the allowable limit can carry extra weight.

captain

Bobsledder who issues instructions and steers the bobsled; he is the first to take position after the push start and is the only one who does not lean forward during the race.

handle

Retractable piece held to push the bobsled during the running start; this start is about 55 yd long.

rear runner

Stationary steel blade at the back of the bobsled that enables it to slide over the ice.

brakeman

Bobsledder who operates the brake after the finish; the brakeman is the last to climb onto the bobsled at the start.

front runner

Movable steel blade at the front of the bobsled that enables it to slide over the ice; the front runners are connected to the steering system.