The skeleton sliding event, originating in the 19th century in St. Moritz, Switzerland, is a high-speed winter sport characterized by athletes descending an ice track head-first on a specialized sled. The sport's name is derived from the "skeletal" appearance of the early metal sleds, which featured a stripped-down, ribbed design reminiscent of a human rib cage. Skeleton athletes navigate high-G turns at speeds of 80 to 90 miles per hour, utilizing a technique known as pronation. This steering method involves subtle shifts in body weight, primarily through the shoulders and knees, to guide the sled, as it lacks a traditional steering wheel or rudder. Protective gear, including reinforced chin guards on helmets, is essential due to the athlete's proximity to the ice, often hovering just an inch above the track.

The outcome of a skeleton race is frequently determined in the initial 50 meters during an explosive running start. Athletes wear specialized shoes with up to 250 needle-like spikes for traction, sprinting on the ice before performing a precise "load" onto the sled to maintain momentum and prevent "fishtailing". Each sled is custom-molded to the individual athlete's body dimensions using 3D scanning technology to ensure maximum control and even distribution of G-force pressure. Although skeleton debuted at the 1928 Winter Olympics, it was absent from the program for over 50 years, largely due to its dangerous reputation, before becoming a permanent Olympic fixture in 2002. The sport also highlights the effectiveness of mental rehearsal, as elite racers often visualize every curve and bump of the track to strengthen neural pathways and enhance performance under pressure.

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