Luger

A luger is a person who competes in luge, a winter sliding sport in which athletes ride a small sled feet-first and on their backs down an ice track.

A luger is a person who competes in luge, a winter sliding sport in which athletes ride a small sled feet-first and on their backs down an ice track. The term can also refer to the sled itself in some usage, but in sports contexts it most often means the athlete. Luge debuted at the Winter Olympics in 1964 and is widely described as the fastest of the sliding sports.

Definition

A luger is a competitor in luge, the winter sport of timed sled racing. In standard usage, the word refers to the athlete rather than the sled.

Sporting format

Luge races are held on specially designed ice tracks, with athletes lying supine and feet first. Events include singles, doubles, and team formats depending on the competition.

Olympic history

Luge was first included in the Winter Olympic Games in 1964. Since then, it has remained a regular Olympic sliding discipline.

Equipment and technique

Lugers use a small sled with steel runners and rely on precise body movements for steering. Speed is generated largely by gravity after the start push.