zoom_in Click to enlarge

Skeleton World Championships

▲ ▼

language

description Skeleton World Championships Overview

The IBSF World Championships include the annual world championship events for skeleton, a sliding sport in which an athlete descends an ice track head-first and face-down on a small sled. Competitors complete multiple timed runs, with the lowest combined time determining the result. The championships are organized by the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation and serve as a major event for elite skeleton athletes outside the Winter Olympics.

help Skeleton World Championships FAQ

What is the Skeleton World Championships?

The IBSF World Championships are the top global championship events for skeleton, in which athletes race head-first and face-down on a small sled. Competitors complete timed runs, and the lowest combined time wins.

How does a skeleton race work?

An athlete begins with a running push, dives onto the sled, and steers by making very small movements with the shoulders and knees. Several timed runs are combined to determine the final ranking.

What does IBSF stand for in skeleton?

IBSF stands for the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation. It governs major international competitions in bobsleigh and skeleton, including the world championships.

How is skeleton different from luge?

Skeleton athletes race head-first and face-down, while luge athletes race feet-first on their backs. Both use refrigerated ice tracks, but the riding position and steering technique are different.