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Skiing test the person's ability to ski as fast as they can. Slalom events are skiers zigzagging down a course, turning at gates in the snow. Cross-country skiing is skiers skiing over long distances. Ski jumping is one of the most thrilling events to watch. Skiers propel themselves off a huge jump called the "in run".
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This year at Torino, snowboarding makes it's third appearance at the Olympics. This year a new event is added snowboard cross. There are six snowboard events: Women's and men's parallel giant slalom, women's and men's half pipe, and women's and men's snowboard cross.
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Figure skating is a mixture of athletic and artistic abilities. Figure skaters have shorter blades than the ones for racing and they also have saw tooth tips to improve stopping and quicker turns. Men and women compete in individual events, pairs, and ice dancing.
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Speed skater's race on skates with long, sharp blades around an ice-covered racetrack, that is large. Up until 1988, speed skaters had to race outdoors. Now they race outdoors and indoors. Racers are racing against each other and against the clock. The U.S. has won more medals in speed skating than other countries. |
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Bobsledding began in the 1800's in the Swiss Alps as a sport. The first wooden sleds were taken on icy roads and passes. Today bobsleds look like mini rockets. These sleds can pick up to about 90 mph. The tracks they run on are called "bobruns".
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Ice Hockey is a fast, entertaining game. Each team has six players including the goalie. The goalie wears extra thick padding and facemask. Players attempt to put a puck in a goal with long wooded sticks.
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