Bobsleigh at the 2010 Winter Olympics

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Bobsleigh
at the XXI Olympic Winter Games
Bobsleigh pictogram.svg
Venue Whistler Sliding Centre
DatesFebruary 20–27
Competitors159 from 23 nations
  2006
2014  

The bobsleigh competition of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics was held at the Whistler Sliding Centre between 20 and 27 February 2010. [1]

Medal summary

Medal table

RankNationGoldSilverBronzeTotal
1Flag of Germany.svg  Germany 1203
2Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada 1113
3Flag of the United States.svg  United States 1012
4Flag of Russia.svg  Russia 0011
Totals (4 entries)3339

Events

Three bobsleigh events were held at Vancouver 2010:

EventGoldSilverBronze
Two-man
details
Flag of Germany.svg  Germany  (GER)
André Lange
Kevin Kuske
3:26.65Flag of Germany.svg  Germany  (GER)
Thomas Florschütz
Richard Adjei
3:26.87Flag of Russia.svg  Russia  (RUS)
Alexandr Zubkov
Alexey Voyevoda
3:27.51
Four-man
details
Flag of the United States.svg  United States  (USA)
Steve Holcomb
Steve Mesler
Curtis Tomasevicz
Justin Olsen
3:24.46Flag of Germany.svg  Germany  (GER)
André Lange
Kevin Kuske
Alexander Rödiger
Martin Putze
3:24.84Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada  (CAN)
Lyndon Rush
David Bissett
Lascelles Brown
Chris le Bihan
3:24.85
Two-woman
details
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada  (CAN)
Kaillie Humphries
Heather Moyse
3:32.28Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada  (CAN)
Helen Upperton
Shelley-Ann Brown
3:33.13Flag of the United States.svg  United States  (USA)
Erin Pac
Elana Meyers
3:33.40

Competition schedule

All times are Pacific Standard Time (UTC-8).

DayDateStartFinishEventPhase
Day 9Saturday 2010-02-2017:0019:40Two-ManHeats 1 and 2
Day 10Sunday 2010-02-2113:3015:50Two-ManHeats 3 and 4
Day 12Tuesday 2010-02-2317:0019:00WomenHeats 1 and 2
Day 13Wednesday 2010-02-2417:0019:00WomenHeats 3 and 4
Day 15Friday 2010-02-2613:0015:45Four-ManHeats 1 and 2
Day 16Saturday 2010-02-2713:0015:25Four-ManHeats 3 and 4

Practice

Germany's André Lange had the fastest time in two-man practice on the night of 17 February 2010. There were eight crashes among 57 runs taken that night. [2] Three crashes occurred during the 18 February 2010 two-man training session. [3] [4] Among the crashes in the two-man event were Switzerland's Beat Hefti and Daniel Schmid who both withdrew from the two man event. [3] Meanwhile, Latvia's Janis Minins withdrew to appendicitis and the emergency surgery that followed on 12 February. [3] [5] Minins returned to competition for the four-man event eleven days later. [5]

Supplemental training was offered on 19 February 2010 to both the two-woman and four-man bobsleigh events out of caution and further preparation for both events that would take place the following week. [6] American bobsledder Shona Rohbock expressed concerns on the 19th that the track could generate speeds that are too dangerous for racing. [7] She stated that she had never experienced speeds at even bobsleigh track she had experienced, event at the St. Moritz track. [7] Officials had told Rohbock that they are considering sanding the runners to slow down the sleds to slow down the speeds. [7] Elana Meyers, an American brakewoman, commented on Twitter that same day that "We (referring to her and her driver Erin Pac) went 145 km/h (90 mph).. that's fast!" [7] One crash occurred on the 19th for the two-woman event when Dutch bobsledder Esme Kamphuis crashed out in the final corners of the track. [7]

Minor changes were made to the track on 22 February 2010 after bobsleigh four-man teams from Latvia and Croatia rolled over in supplementary training. [8] Following a meeting with 11 team captains, training runs were postponed by the FIBT until later that day to adjust the shape of turn 11 so it would be easier for sleds to get through the rest of the track without crashing. [8] FIBT spokesman Don Krone stated that "...some drivers have been experiencing difficulties transitioning from turn 11 to turn 12." [8] As a result, Krone stated that "The FIBT track commission, in conjunction with VANOC and with advice from a number of team captains, are working on the shape of turn 11 to make it easier for drivers to get high enough on 11 to turn 12 so that they can successfully make it through turn 13." [8] Krone also stated that it was common that the profile of corners were changed when it was being used by other sliding disciplines (luge and skeleton). [8]

After track alterations were done on 23 February 2010, the two fastest four-man times were done by Germany's Lange and the United States' Holcomb. [9] Australia withdrew its four-man team on 23 February 2010 to two of its crew members, Duncan Harvey and Duncan Pugh, suffering concussions. Australia chef de mission Ian Chesterman stated that the decision was not taken lightly and was done on the side of safety. [10] Meanwhile, Latvia's Janis Minins returned to practice on the 23rd in the wake of the emergency surgery on 12 February in the wake of an appendicitis attack. [5]

Lange had the fastest practice times on the 24th with the final two practices taking place on the 25th. [11] That same day, Australia withdrew to injuries to Harvey and Pugh of Australia while Edwin van Calker of the Netherlands withdrew to a lack of confidence of driving the four-man sled during the event. [11] This was also despite no crashes during four-man training had taken place prior to the 24th. [11] The Dutch team supported van Calker's decision on this. [11] Minins withdrew from the four-man event on the 25th to crashing twice during practice where one of his crews suffering a concussion and another suffering bruised lungs and elbows. [12]

Qualifying

Athlete/NOC quota

170 athletes are allowed to compete in accordance with the International Olympic Committee and the International Bobsleigh and Tobogganing Federation (FIBT). This includes 130 for two-man and four-man bobsleigh (30 teams for each type of men's bobsleigh), and 40 for two-woman bobsleigh (20 teams). [13]

Qualification system

The best result of each driver will be ranked by the FIBT, including World Cup and lesser known Cup. These races scored are the same ones as the World Cup event. These driver must rank among the top 50 in the FIBT for the 2009–10 season by 17 January 2010, held at St. Moritz, Switzerland. For men's bobsleigh, three countries can send three teams, seven countries can send two teams, and seven more countries can send one team (Applies to both two-man and four-man). For women's bobsleigh, two countries can send three teams, four countries can send two teams, and six countries can send one team. For all three events, the host country is included provided they meet the minimum requirements. [13] Each NOC declared their entries on 22 January 2010. [13] Entering the World Cup event in St. Moritz, the top two countries to have three two-woman teams were Germany and the United States. [14] For two-man, the top three countries to have three teams were Germany, Switzerland, and the United States while for four-man, the three countries to have three teams were Germany, Russia, and the United States. [14] This was announced on 20 January 2010. [15] Reallocation was announced on 26 January 2010. [16]

NationsTwo-man [17] Four-man [18] Two-woman [19]
Flag of Australia.svg  Australia 211
Flag of Austria.svg  Austria 210
Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium 001
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada 222
Flag of Croatia.svg  Croatia 010
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg  Czech Republic 120
Flag of Germany.svg  Germany 333
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Great Britain 112
Flag of Ireland.svg  Ireland 001
Flag of Italy.svg  Italy 211
Flag of Japan.svg  Japan 111
Flag of Latvia.svg  Latvia 220
Flag of Liechtenstein.svg  Liechtenstein 110
Flag of Monaco.svg  Monaco 100
Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands 111
Flag of Poland.svg  Poland 110
Flag of Romania.svg  Romania 111
Flag of Russia.svg  Russia 232
Flag of Serbia (2004-2010).svg  Serbia 010
Flag of South Korea (1997-2011).svg  South Korea 010
Flag of Slovakia.svg  Slovakia 110
Flag of Switzerland.svg  Switzerland 322
Flag of the United States.svg  United States 333
Total: 23 NOCs303021 [note 1]

Austria declined their second spot in the four men event. Australia takes this spot instead.

Notes
  1. Following an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Australia were awarded an additional spot in the two-woman bobsled competition. The Australian appeal was based on the grounds that Oceania was not represented in the competition. [20]

Competing nations

The following nations have entered the following number of athletes.

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daumants Dreiškens</span> Latvian bobsledder

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Königssee bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton track</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Olympic Sliding Centre Innsbruck</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bobsleigh at the 2010 Winter Olympics – Two-man</span>

The two-man bobsleigh competition at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, was held at the Whistler Sliding Centre in Whistler, British Columbia on 20–21 February. The German team of André Lange and Kevin Kuske were the defending Olympic champions in this event. Switzerland's team of Ivo Rüegg and Cedric Grand were the defending world champions in this event. The test event held at the Olympic venue was won by the German duo of Thomas Florschütz and Marc Kühne. The last World Cup event prior to the 2010 Games took place in Igls, Austria on 23 January 2010 and was won by the Swiss duo of Beat Hefti and Thomas Lamparter while Rüegg won the overall World Cup in the two-man event.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bobsleigh at the 2010 Winter Olympics – Four-man</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bobsleigh at the 2010 Winter Olympics – Two-woman</span>

The two-woman bobsleigh competition at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, was held at the Whistler Sliding Centre in Whistler, British Columbia, on 20–21 February.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skeleton at the 2010 Winter Olympics – Men's</span>

The men's skeleton event at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, took place at the Whistler Sliding Centre on 18–19 February. Canada's Duff Gibson was the defending Olympic champion. Gibson retired after the 2006 Olympics. Switzerland's Gregor Stähli, the defending Olympic bronze medalist was the defending world champion, but did not compete due to a thigh injury sustained during the World Cup event in Lake Placid, New York, on 20 November 2009. The test event held at the venue was won by Jon Montgomery of Canada. The last World Cup event prior to the 2010 Games took place in Igls, Austria, on 23 January 2010 and was won by Latvia's Martins Dukurs who also won the overall World Cup title.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skeleton at the 2010 Winter Olympics – Women's</span>

The women's skeleton event at the 2010 Winter Olympics took place at the Whistler Sliding Centre on 18–19 February. The competition was won by British athlete Amy Williams, who set new course records for the track on her first and third runs. Williams, who had never before won a World Cup or World Championship event, became the first British athlete to win a solo Winter Olympic gold medal in 30 years. German sliders Kerstin Szymkowiak and Anja Huber won the silver and bronze medals respectively. Williams' teammate Shelley Rudman, who had won the silver medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics, and Canadian Mellisa Hollingsworth, both of whom had been expected to be in medal contention, were disappointed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Serbia at the 2010 Winter Olympics</span> Sporting event delegation

Serbia participated at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It was the first time the nation had participated in the Winter Olympics after competing as Serbia and Montenegro in the previous Olympics.

References

  1. "Bobsleigh at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on 17 April 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2018.
  2. Lange Among Leaders in 2-Ma Bob Training. at the Fédération Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing (18 February 2010 article accessed 18 February 2010.)
  3. 1 2 3 Lange Seeks to defend Two-Man Olympic Title. at the Fédération Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing (20 February 2010 article accessed 20 February 2010.
  4. "Bobsleigh-Injuries leave Swiss in disarray." – Martyn Herman 19 February 2010 Yahoo! Sports article accessed 20 February 2010.
  5. 1 2 3 "Bobsleigh-Latvian wildman flies again after hiccup hell". – 23 February 2010 Martyn Herman Yahoo! Sports article accessed 24 February 2010.
  6. Supplementary Bobsleigh Training Offered in Whistler. at the Fédération Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing (19 February 2010 article accessed 19 February 2010.)
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "US bobsledder: Whistler track 'stupid fast'". – Tom Withers (AP) Yahoo! Sports 20 February 2010 article accessed 20 February 2010.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 "Bobsleigh-Whistler track tweaked after further spills". – 22 February 2010 Martyn Herman Yahoo! Sports article accessed 23 February 2010.
  9. "Bobsleigh-Lange quickest in training as track mellows." – 23 February 2010 Yahoo! Sports Martyn Herman article accessed 24 February 2010.
  10. "Bobsleigh-Concussed Australians out of four-man race." – 23 February 2010 Yahoo! Sports Martyn Herman article accessed 24 February 2010.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Lange Among Top 4-Man Pilots in Training. at the Fédération Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing (24 February 2010 article accessed 25 February 2010.)
  12. "Latvia withdraws from four-man event". – AP Yahoo! Sports 25 February 2010 article accessed 27 February 2010.
  13. 1 2 3 World Cup Action Resumes in Koeningsee. at the Fédération Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing (7 January 2010 FIBT article accessed 8 January 2010.)
  14. 1 2 Olympic Qualifying at Stake in St. Moritz. at the Fédération Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing (14 January 2010 article accessed 15 January 2010.)
  15. FIBT Announces Olympic Qualifying Quotas. at the Fédération Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing (20 January 2010 article accessed 25 January 2010.)
  16. Olympic Quota Updated After Reallocation. at the Fédération Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing (26 January 2010 article accessed 27 January 2010.)
  17. 26 January 2010 FIBT bobsleigh two-man final quota for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Archived 10 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine – accessed 27 January 2010.
  18. 26 January 2010 FIBT bobsleigh four-man final quota for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Archived 10 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine – accessed 27 January 2010.
  19. 26 January 2010 FIBT bobsleigh two-woman final quota for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Archived 3 January 2014 at the Wayback Machine – accessed 27 January 2010.
  20. "Australian pair bob up to sleigh their detractors". 11 February 2010 Sydney Morning Herald. – accessed 10 February 2010.