: Robert Laberge/Getty Images/Allsport |
HISTORY
 Skeleton has not been contested at an Olympic Games since 1948 in St. Moritz, Switzerland.
1880s: Skeleton is first organized in St. Moritz. Men and women descend down the icy slopes from St. Moritz to Celerina. The winner receives a bottle of champagne.
1923: Federation Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing (FIBT) is founded.
1928: Skeleton debuts as an Olympic event in St. Moritz. American Jennison Heaton wins the gold medal, and his brother John captures the silver. The only other time the sport will be contested at an Olympics is during the 1948 Games.
1948: Nino Bibbia of Italy wins the gold medal at the St. Moritz Games. John Heaton again wins the silver, 20 years after his first skeleton appearance at the Olympics.
1988: The United States captures its first World Cup medal at St. Moritz.
1997: Americans Jimmy Shea and Chris Soule win the first World Championship medals for the U.S., finishing second and third.
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