A Celebration on Ice and Snow, Beijing 2022: Winter Games-Luge
Luge originated in Northern Europe. The first luge appeared in Norway as early as 1480. To attract more thrill-seeking tourists, the first luge track was constructed at a ski resort in Switzerland in the mid-to-late 19th century.
In the Olympic Winter Games, the luge track is the same as that used in skeleton. It is an artificial concave slide with a certain downhill slope, with a vertical drop of between 110 to 150 metres and a length of 2,000 metres. The track is walled in and features several curves with a radius of no less than 20 metres. The whole track needs to be sprayed with water to create an icy surface.
Singles competitions usually last two days, and each competition day consists of two runs. Whoever finishes the four runs with the shortest cumulative time wins. The doubles competition lasts a day and consists of two runs. The team of two with the shortest time wins. Team relay consists of a single run for each team made up of women’s singles, men’s singles and doubles. An overhand touchpad is above the fnish line. The next sled starts when the previous sled has pressed the touchpad. After all the three runs, the team with the shortest time wins.
When starting the race, a luge athlete grabs the handles on each side of the track and rocks back and forth to build momentum for the start. They propel themselves onto the track and immediately use their hands in the spiked gloves to paddle through, which helps gain speed before the operator lies down on the sled. They adjust and change directions either by using their legs to steer or by angling their heads or shoulders to adjust their centre of gravity. When approaching the finish line, they slow down by changing position.
The helmet is equipped with a round face shield that extends down to the chin. The jumpsuit and race shoes are very smooth and aerodynamic to minimise air resistance.
Copyright: Guide to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022– A Celebration on Ice and Snow
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