A Basic Guide to Bobsledding

Product description A Basic Guide to Bobsledding is for the young person who dreams of "challenging the ice." It also is for the athlete, coach, parent, and spectator who want a clear understanding of the many facets of bobsledding that have made it "The Champagne of Thrills" for more than 100 years. This volume provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the sport and describes the essential elements necessary to become a bobsledder. Author Hans Kummer, a Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project team member and founding officer of the U.S. Bobsled & Skeleton Federation's Connecticut Chapter, offers first-hand knowledge of the technical dynamics and personal focus it takes to be an athlete on the fast track. Review It's Bobsled Time! The movie "Cool Runnings" about the Jamaican bobsled team probably did more for the sport than anything else in history. This book mentions the film on its first page, but quickly asserts that bobsledding has long had its own mystique - and it's nothing at all like hopping on a Flexible Flyer for a brief winter thrill. "Very few activities require the stamina and strength to repeatedly push forward and drive 90 mph downhill on ice, sometimes pulling 6-G forces in banked turns of nearly 180 degrees," author Hans Kummer notes. (By comparison, astronauts feel about a 3-G force on takeoff.) He explains that bobsledders need physical strength, agility, good hand-eye coordination, and "nerves of steel, as the sled often rides at high speeds on the brink of a crash." It's a good read that will have kids looking at bobsledders with more respect and wondering how THEY could get themselves a 90-mph ride. -- Donna Freedman, Children's Literature, 2002 Stuffed With Fascination - An engaging and meticulously researched compendium of 'Olympic' proportions. Hans Kummer presents a unique array of historical highlights stuffed with fascinating tidbits and oddities around every curve. Few reference books qualify as good bedtime reading, but A Basic Guide To Bobsledding is an exception. -- Randy Matin, Bureau Chief, Pacific News Group History In The Making! Author Hans Kummer tells our youth to keep first things first. We were the first nation to embrace the dream - from the first city (Albany, NY) to bob race in the 19th century; to 'push starting' the new millennium in the first city (Salt Lake City, UT) to host the Olympic Winter Games in 2002. In his exciting 'run' through the evolution of our sport, he reminds us of the pursuit of excellence expressed in the ultimate merger of technology and athleticism. I highly recommend every educator and future athlete read this remarkable journey of our traditions and Western spirit. -- Chris Lindsay, National Youth Development Director, U.S. Bobsled & Skeleton Federation A Tremendous Resource - The United States Bobsled and Skeleton Federation is proud to be one of the leaders in the development programs for youth in the sports of bobsled and skeleton. I hope this book will be a tremendous resource to all those interested in the sliding sports. -- Matthew Roy, Executive Director, U.S. Bobsled & Skeleton Federation From the Publisher On behalf of the United States Olympic Committee, Welcome to the Olympic Sports Series. This unique series will encourage parents, athletes of all ages and novices who are thinking about a sport for the first time, to get involved with the challenging and rewarding world of Olympic sports. This series of paperback books covers both summer and winter sports, features Olympic history and basic sports fundamentals, and encourages family involvement. Each book includes information on how to get started in a particular sport, including equipment and clothing; rules of the game; health and fitness; basic first aid; and guidelines for spectators. Of special interest is the information on opportunities for senior citizens, volunteers and physically challenged athletes. In addition, each book is enhanced by photographs and illustrations and a complete, easy-to-unde