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Getting Started
By Meredith Gusa // usolympicteam.com // September 29, 2004
Getting Started in Bobsled / Skeleton
The U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation has programs in Lake Placid, N.Y. and Park City, Utah, where youngsters ages 12-18 can train. The Verizon USBSF Athlete Recruitment Tour, where junior athletes in other sports such as football, soccer, track, volleyball or ice hockey can take a standardized physical test to determine their speed and explosive power.
The top athletes will be selected by USBSF National Team coaches and will be invited to a training camp in late summer in Lake Placid. Athletes may then be chosen to train on ice in the winter and potentially compete at the America's Cup or on the World Cup level. For information on how to become involved in these junior programs, call the main office number listed below.
Joining the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation
You must be a member of USBSF to participate in sanctioned training camps or competitions.
Becoming a U.S. Olympian
Bobsled and skeleton competitions are held for both men and women. Men’s and women’s bobsled hold an Olympic Trial open to licensed bobsledders who have participated in a minimum of five competitions on three tracks in 24 months. However, if over 10 sleds are competing, anyone can enter. For men’s bobsled, athletes must be in the top-22 of the World Cup rankings for 2-man sleds or the top-20 for 4-man to be eligible for the Olympic team. For men’s and women’s skeleton, the top 18 finishers in the National Championship are invited to participate in the Olympic Trials.
Contact Information
web: U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation
email: info@usbsf.com
phone: 518.523.1842
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