Milano Cortina 2026: Skeleton Competition Underway Amidst Equipment Controversy

London, 8 February 2026 – The skeleton events at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have officially commenced, bringing the world’s most daring sliding sport back to the historic tracks of Italy. As athletes reach speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour (130km/h) in head-first descents, the opening days of the competition have been overshadowed by a significant legal ruling regarding British equipment standards.

Team GB Appeal Rejected by Court of Arbitration for Sport

The British skeleton team has been forced to revert to older equipment after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed their appeal on 7 February 2026. The dispute centred on a newly developed aerodynamic helmet designed specifically for these Games. Officials ruled that the helmet’s shape did not comply with International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF) regulations. Despite arguments from the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association (BBSA), the ban remains in place, forcing medal favourites to compete in standard-issue gear.

The Mechanics of Skeleton

Skeleton is a high-velocity sliding sport where individual athletes race face-down on a small sled. Unlike luge, where athletes travel feet-first, skeleton requires a head-first orientation. The competition format at the Winter Olympics consists of four heats held over two days, with the lowest cumulative time determining the winner. The start is considered the most critical phase; athletes have a 30-second window after the green light to sprint and launch themselves onto the sled.

Key Facts and Regulations

The IBSF maintains strict weight and equipment regulations to ensure fair competition and athlete safety. All sleds are checked at the finish line to ensure they meet the following criteria:

Safety and “Sled Head” Concerns

While the sport is celebrated for its exhilaration, medical experts and athletes have raised concerns regarding “sled head”—a term used to describe the cumulative effect of G-forces and micro-concussions sustained during high-speed runs. Despite these risks, skeleton remains a cornerstone of the Winter Programme, having been a permanent fixture since the 2002 Games.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do athletes steer the sled?

Athletes steer using subtle body movements, shifting their weight and using their knees or shoulders to apply pressure to the sled. They also use their spiked shoes to make minor adjustments to their line on the ice track.

Are there brakes on a skeleton sled?

No. Any steering or braking elements are strictly prohibited. The athlete must rely entirely on their body position to navigate the course and can only slow down once they have crossed the finish line and entered the uphill deceleration zone.

When did skeleton first appear in the Olympics?

Skeleton made its original debut at the 1928 Winter Games in St. Moritz, Switzerland. However, it was not a permanent fixture for many years, only returning to the Olympic programme for good in 2002.