Bobsleding

/ˈbɑbˌslɛdɪŋ/ verb

Definition

The act of participating in the sport of bobsled racing, where teams push and ride in a small sled down an icy track.

Etymology

From 'bobsled' (bob meaning to move up and down + sled), combined with the gerund suffix -ing. The sport emerged in Switzerland in the 1880s when people attached steering mechanisms to toboggans.

Kelly Says

Bobsledding requires athletes to accelerate a 400-pound sled from 0 to 40 mph in just 5 seconds—that's faster acceleration than most sports cars! The phrase 'push start' comes from this explosive beginning, which is why bobsled recruits are often sprinters from track and field.

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