Sleds, luge in French, are believed to have their origins in Scandinavia circa 800AD as a form of transportation Today, a luge is used to transport an individual or two person team down an icy track comprised of multiple curves at speedsoif 85 mph, no brakes included.The luge itself is composed of an aerodynamic racing shell suspended from two bridges that connect to the runners, or kufens The only parts of the sled that touch the ice are the two runners called steels, which are attached to the kufens.There are built in grips for each hand.The athletes called sliders, wear aerodynamic racing suits and helmets with clear or tinted visors that extend under the chin to further reduce resistance They are required to wear special zippered shoes that straighten the foot when the zipper is closed Luge gloves have spiked fingertips to assist with starts and with paddling acceleration onto the track The sport of luge made its Olympic debut at the 1964 Innsbruck Games. In Olympic singles competition, both men and women athletes take four runs down the track over a twoday period; the aggregate fastest time determines the winner Women start at a point further down the track than do men.Doubles competition is a one day event in which twoperson teams the heavier slider on top for aerodynamics take two runs, again with the combined score determining the outcome Terms to listen for Kreisel German for circle; a curve in which the track crosses over itself.Labyrinth A combination of small curves typically three to four, on a luge track with little or no straight stretches between them.

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