ABOUT SKELETON
Skeleton is a winter sport that involves competitors racing headfirst down an icy track on a small sled. Taking place at the Whistler Sliding Centre on Monday, February 10, 2025 and Tuesday, February 11, 2025, this thrilling event will push participants to face their fears and trust their abilities as they navigate the twists and turns of the course.
WHAT ARE THE RULES?
- Skeleton is a winter sliding sport where a competitor on a small sled travels down an ice track while lying face-down and headfirst from the starting position, at Maple Leaf start for non-professional competitors, to the finish line.
- The fastest time wins!
- All starts are controlled by an official who will secure the sled before releasing it on the start line to maximize safety.
- Competitors who enter Skeleton will be thoroughly reviewed by a panel of medical and technical experts to verify and sign off on their ability to safely compete and meet the health and safety requirements of the track operation.
HOW ARE COMPETITORS CATEGORIZED?
The categorisation process aims to ensure the best possible competitor experience at the Invictus Games. The Invictus Games is a unique competition which enables all participants to compete fairly across all sports, no matter their impairment type.
Each sport has a different categorisation system as the different injuries, illness and impairments affect competitors in different ways in each sport. Skeleton catagories are by weight. Each competitor is allocated a category (e.g. IT1, IJ4) for each sport that they compete in. The categorisation system relies on integrity and honesty, and a collaborative relationship between all competitors, and all team staff.
HOW MANY COMPETITORS ON THE COURSE AT ONE TIME?
One competitor will slide the course at a time.
HOW LONG IS THE COURSE?
Competitors will be using the Maple Leaf start, which is the start position that measures 842 m in elevation.
HOW LONG DOES THE COMPETITION TAKE?
It takes approximately two minutes per competitor from the start of their run to the next competitor sliding – this includes time for the course to be cleared and reset!
HOW DID THE SPORT COME TO BE?
- Skeleton most likely originated in Switzerland, invented by English soldiers in 1882. They created toboggan tracks with various twists along the way, adding in curves to make it more challenging to maneuver.
IS THIS A NEW SPORT FOR THE INVICTUS GAMES?
Yes! This is a brand-new sport for the Invictus Games!
INTERESTING FACTS
- For the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, Skeleton will take place at the Whistler Sliding Centre (WSC). WSC is one of only fifteen sanctioned tracks in the world.
- Competitors at the Invictus Games could reach speeds of up to 100km/hr.
- Skeleton tests a competitor’s strength, finesse and courage.
CEREMONIES
SPORT
invictus village
