Read about the events that will happen at the 2010 Olympics in Whistler. Learn and get a complete definition of all the Whistler Olympic sports.
Alpine Skiing
Alpine skiing is what many people refer to as downhill skiing. The popular sport evolved from cross country skiing when the chairlift was introduced. Although there are many different variations of Alpine skiing, they all require a combination of speed and technique to be won.
Cross Country Skiing
Cross Country Skiing is a sport where athletes must propel themselves across snow covered terrain using skis and poles. This sport differs from Alpine Skiing as the terrain alternates from downhill, to flat, to uphill.
Biathlon
The Biathlon in reference to the Winter Olympics is a combination of both cross country skiing and rifle shooting. This sport was protested and only made periodical appearances at the Olympics during the early 1900′s as its critics called it “military patrol.” However, during the 1950′s, it was brought back and kept, due to the overwhelming popularity the sport had gained.
Ski Jumping
Ski jumping is a sport where athletes ski off a giant ramp. The goal of this sport is to travel as far as possible before landing. Aside from distance, judges also award points for style.
Nordic Combined
Nordic Combined is a sport where athletes must compete in both cross country skiing, and ski jumping.
Bobsleigh
Bobsleigh is a sport where teams race down a contained track for the best time. A bobsled is driven in groups of two to four bobsledders. One bobsledder steers, while the others move their bodies to best manipulate the gravitational pulls.
Skeleton
Similar to Bobsleigh, Skeleton is a sport where contestants race individually down a contained track for the best time. However, unlike Bobsleigh, Skeleton racers must compete alone and race down the track head first. Skeleton sleds are not permitted brakes or steering mechanisms.
Luge
In the sport of Luge, athletes’ race down the same type of track used in Bobsledding & Skeleton events. Luge sleds are much smaller than the ones used in Bobsleigh with only one to two people operating each sled. Contestants race down the contained track feet first while lying on their back.
By: Devon O'Malley
About the Author:
Devon O’ Malley is a staff writer for alluraDirect, a website specializing in vacation rentals with powerful instant booking features. Head over to the whistler 2010 rentals page to view available properties for the 2010 Whistler Olympics.