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Hurtling down a slippery track on a futuristic looking sled, rocking in
and out of turns, sliding up and down walls of ice.
Bobsledding is one of the most popular sports at the Olympics, thanks to
its combination of breathtaking speed, almost unbridled natural power
and the real potential for danger.
Bobsledders spend all year figuring out tracks, working on their sleds
and training for this very physical sport. Some liken it to auto racing,
without the engine. In fact, NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine has jumped into
the sport, helping to build one of the most technologically advanced
sleds around. The Bo-Dyn sled can actually be opened up so sledders can
make repairs on the spot.
The Olympics bobsled competition features two- and four-man sleds. The
event consists of four runs, each electronically timed. The lowest
combined time wins.
Much will be made of the Nagano track, unique in its two uphill sections
along a 1,360-meter run. It was built in the foothills of Asakawa and is
considered one of the world's most advanced tracks.
The United States has not won a bobsled medal since 1956.
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