Luge

Origin and rules

Luge as a sport developed in late 19th-century St. Moritz, Switzerland. Sliders push off with spiked gloves, then lie on their backs on a small sled. Steering is achieved by subtle leg pressure on the runners and shoulder shifts.

How it plays

Olympic events include men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and a team relay. Singles competitors complete four runs on the same track; doubles two. The lowest combined time wins. Top speeds exceed 140 kilometres per hour.

Competition

The FIL Luge World Cup and the World Championships run each winter. The Winter Olympics is the marquee event. Germany has dominated luge for decades, with the United States, Russia, Italy, Austria, and Latvia also strong. Luge has been Olympic since 1964.