Key Takeaways
- U.S. bobsledder Kris Horn survived a harrowing ride down the track in St. Moritz, Switzerland, after his three teammates failed to get into the sled at the start of a World Cup race.
- Horn navigated the course with no other weight in the sled and nobody to pull the brakes at the bottom, reaching a speed of around 75 mph.
- None of the U.S. sliders suffered serious injuries, and all X-rays taken came back negative.
- The incident occurred during a rough weekend for Horn, who also crashed out of the two-man World Cup race on Saturday.
- Horn is expected to be named to the USA Bobsled and Skeleton team for next month’s Milan Cortina Olympics as one of the men’s bobsled drivers.
Introduction to the Incident
The world of bobsledding is known for its high speeds and intense competition, but sometimes, even the most experienced athletes can find themselves in unexpected and precarious situations. This was the case for U.S. bobsledder Kris Horn, who survived a frightening ride down the track in St. Moritz, Switzerland, on Sunday. During a World Cup race, Horn’s three teammates – Ryan Rager, Hunter Powell, and Caleb Furnell – failed to get into the sled at the start, leaving Horn to navigate the course alone.
The Chaotic Start
The incident occurred when Rager appeared to stumble at the start, triggering a domino effect that prevented the other two teammates from getting into the sled. Powell was thrown violently toward the track wall, hitting his back on the hard-packed icy surface, while Furnell was also unable to make his way into his spot. The scene was chaotic, with Horn getting into the sled first, as is common in bobsledding, but then finding himself alone and in control of the sled. Despite the challenges, Horn showed remarkable composure and skill, reaching a speed of around 75 mph during the run that lasted just over a minute.
The Aftermath
After crossing the finish line, Horn had the presence of mind to scoot toward the back of the sled and pull the brake handles, bringing the sled to a stop. Athletes and coaches from several different national teams rushed to the finish line to ensure that Horn was fine, with some shaking his hand and nodding their heads in disbelief. Horn, who started his bobsledding career as a brakeman, waved to the nearby television cameras to show he was OK. Fortunately, none of the U.S. sliders suffered serious injuries, and all X-rays taken came back negative. Powell, who was shaken up during the incident, told The Associated Press that he was "a little sore" but expected to be fine in a couple of days.
A Rough Weekend for Horn
The incident was not the only challenge Horn faced over the weekend. On Saturday, he crashed out of the two-man World Cup race, and his brakeman, Carsten Vissering, suffered abrasions and was unable to compete on Sunday. Rager took Vissering’s spot on the four-man sled, but the team’s luck did not improve. Despite the setbacks, Horn is expected to be named to the USA Bobsled and Skeleton team for next month’s Milan Cortina Olympics as one of the men’s bobsled drivers, along with Frank Del Duca. The team will be announced after the final World Cup race weekend, and Horn will be looking to put the incidents behind him and focus on the Olympics.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The incident in St. Moritz was a sobering reminder of the risks and challenges involved in bobsledding. However, it also highlighted the skill, composure, and resilience of athletes like Kris Horn, who are able to navigate unexpected situations and come out on top. As the bobsledding community looks ahead to the Milan Cortina Olympics, Horn and his teammates will be focusing on fine-tuning their skills and preparing for the biggest stage in the sport. With their experience and determination, they will be looking to make a strong impression and bring home medals for the United States.