3/23/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Bobsled & Skeleton.
Plummeting down the icy track sitting or head first, bobsled & skeleton athletes rely on physics at high speeds. After the essential explosive running start, athletes depend on their quick reflexes to manage each corner and turn. Elite equipment, proper positioning in the grove, and immense focus and visualization are necessary to secure that spot on the podium with margins of split seconds. When we protect our crews and sliders, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Bobsled & Skeleton Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Bobsled & Skeleton has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Bobsled and skeleton are extreme sports and have a high risk and rate of injuries. Injured athletes may be especially vulnerable to abuse or exploitation when dependent on those in power to make treatment and return-to-sport decisions. Inadequate injury prevention and treatment protocols may be signs of neglect in the sporting environment.
- In bobsled and skeleton, there is often pressure to increase the extremity of skills, such as more difficult courses and higher-velocity runs, which may place athletes at risk of injury or even death, especially if they do not understand all the risks. Minor athletes in particular may not be able to fully understand and consent to risk and danger.
- Bobsled and skeleton athletes may place a high level of trust in their coaches. This could lead to psychological dependence and/or blurred boundaries in the coach-athlete relationship.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
9/21/2023
An Olympic bobsledder alleged her doctor sexually abused her and photographed her and her team undressing, per a new lawsuit
10/11/2026
As sports betting is normalized, college players have become targets of aggrieved bettors
10/6/2026
Gresham Man Accused Of Faking His Age To Participate In Youth Sports And Sexually Abusing Children, Faces More Charges
10/1/2026
Ohio State Could Owe Millions More to Prior Strauss Sex-Abuse Plaintiffs
9/30/2026
Burke County high school coach charged with felony sex act with a student
9/30/2026
Longtime Hastings sports figure charged with 13 felonies
9/24/2026
Ex-NC State sports medicine director indicted on sexual abuse charges involving student-athletes
Bobsled & Skeleton Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety, Safeguarding, and Governing Bodies within Bobsled & Skeleton.
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Concussions in Sledding Sports and the Unrecognized “Sled Head”: A Systematic Review
Safeguarding
Read about concussion research in competitive sledding.
How to prevent injuries in bobsleigh
Physical Safety
Learn about injury prevention for bobsled.
Hydration for Endurance Athletes
Physical Safety
Learn why staying hydrated while exercising matters.
Just the right amount of load!
Physical Safety
Gain an understanding of injury prevention in bobsled and skeleton.
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
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