How do I get into the sport of skeleton racing?

SKELETON Unlike bobsled, in skeleton, every athlete is a pusher and a driver. The ideal recruit will be an athlete with great foot speed who has a natural talent for driving. The USBSF can evaluate your ability to start, based on your speed on dry land tests, but the only way the USBSF can evaluate your ability to drive it to place you in a five day driving school. Schools take place in both Lake Placid and Park City. Below is a sample physical profile of what our coaching staff looks for in their skeleton recruits: Men Height: 5’6” – 6’2” Weight: 150 – 200 lbs. Speed: 4.00 seconds or faster in 30 meter standing start sprint 3.20 seconds or faster in 30 meter fly start sprint Jumps: Vertical Jump of at least 30 inches Women Height: 5’0” –5’9" Weight: 130 – 180 lbs. Speed: 4.50 seconds or faster in 30 meter standing start sprint 3.80 seconds or faster in 30 meter fly start sprint Jumps: Vertical Jump of at least 23 inches The camp includes: Housing and Food (Lake Placid), Housing (Park City) Track fees Coaching Use of a USBSF skeleton sled Use of a USBSF helmet During the camp, you will learn how to drive a skeleton sled. You will begin driving from the mid-point of the track and then, depending on your ability to progress, you will move up the track to higher start points. You will also be evaluated on a four-item test for your ability to do starts: 30 meter sprint from a standing start 30 meter sprint from a flying start Vertical Jump 5 Hop test (five consecutive hops in a row from a standing start). You will learn the start technique and be evaluated on your ability to push a skeleton sled. You should come to camp well-trained and prepared to sprint. If you show exemplary driving skill, the USBSF coaching staff may invite you to participate in the National Development program for the remainder of the season. To apply for a spot in one of our skeleton driving or bobsled recruiting camps, please fill out the form below, including a brief description of your athletic background. Acceptance into the camp will be made by coach’s evaluation of your submission and space available. The USBSF will respond to you by e-mail, so you must submit a current, working e-mail address. There will be three driving schools in Park City in November/December of 2007 and three driving schools in Lake Placid in November/December of 2007. Costs are to be determined.