Luge

In luge the athlete lies on his back and slides feet-first down an ice track on a small sled, steering with his legs and shoulders. Speeds exceed 140 km/h, and results are measured to the thousandth of a second. There are singles, doubles and team relay events.

History

Sledging was an old winter pastime in the Alps; the first international race was held at Davos, Switzerland, in 1883. The International Luge Federation (FIL) was founded in 1957, and luge has been on the Olympic programme since 1964.

Major competitions

The Olympic Games, the FIL World Championships and the World Cup, plus separate events on natural tracks.

In the Turkic world

Sledging down snowy slopes is one of the favourite winter games of children across the Turkic world. Because competitive luge needs a purpose-built ice track, the sport is still developing in the Turkic countries.