Bobsleighed: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'bobsleigh' comes from the combination of 'bob' meaning to move quickly up and down and 'sleigh' which is a sled.
• The term gained popularity in the late 19th century when the sport was formally organized in Switzerland.

Sports

• Bobsleigh has been an Olympic sport since 1924, featuring both men's and women's events.
• The sport requires teams of two or four, where one person steers and the others push and balance.
• Tracks can be around 1,200 meters long and have many twists and turns, making for exciting races.

Culture

• The fast-paced nature of bobsleigh has inspired movies and cartoons, often depicting the thrilling adventures of athletes during winter.
• Popular culture references like 'Cool Runnings', a film about a Jamaican bobsled team, brought the sport into the global spotlight.

Physics

• Bobsleigh relies on gravity and the physics of momentum, as teams must navigate turns without flipping the sled.
• The design of the bobsled is crucial, as aerodynamics plays a major role in achieving high speeds.

History

• Early bobsleighs were simply wooden sleds designed for leisure before evolving into high-tech sports equipment.
• The first official bobsleigh track was built in St. Moritz, Switzerland, setting the foundation for future bobsledding competitions.