Olympic bobsledding is a high-speed race on ice, featuring four medal events:

• 2-man and 4-man bobsled are classic events where teams of two or four athletes—typically one pilot and one to three push athletes — race down a twisting ice track at speeds reaching 90+ mph
• 2-woman bobsled was introduced at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games to bring more gender parity to the sport
• Monobob, which made its Olympic debut at Beijing 2022, features solo female pilots who push, steer, and brake all on their own, making it one of the most demanding tests of individual skill in sliding sports

Olympic bobsled races unfold over four heats spread across two days. Each sled completes four timed runs, and the total combined time determines the final standings and the fastest total time wins.

The start order changes from run to run to keep the competition fair and unpredictable. For the first heat, the top 10 IBSF-ranked pilots pick start numbers 1 through 10, with the rest starting in ranking order. The second heat generally goes from slowest to fastest based on first-run times. The third run starts fastest to slowest based on combined times. And for the final run, only the top-20 sleds qualify — and they go in reverse order, slowest to fastest, building to a dramatic finish.

The rules of Olympic bobsled are designed to ensure fairness, safety, and high-speed competition. Here are a few essentials:

• Weight limits: There are strict maximum weight limits for each sled and crew combined. Teams must balance speed and strength without going over the assigned limits.
• Push start: Each race begins with a powerful push start, where athletes sprint and load into the sled in seconds. A fast start is critical, and fractions of a second here can decide medals.
• Equipment regulations: Sled dimensions, runners (blades), and materials are regulated tightly. Teams can fine-tune their sleds, but major modifications are off-limits.
• No steering assistance: Once the sled is in motion, it’s all on the pilot to steer cleanly through tight curves using two steering ropes (D-rings) connected to the front runners

Any crashes, rule violations, or failure to finish a run can lead to disqualification.

Timing in Olympic bobsled is ultra-precise, measured down to one-hundredth of a second. Once the sled passes the starting line, an electronic eye triggers the timer, stopping the instant the finish line is crossed. All four runs are added together for a total time. That means consistency is key: one blazing-fast run won’t win gold if the others aren’t clean. The team with the lowest total time after four heats takes the win.

In case of a tie, medals are awarded to both teams.

Germany remains the dominant force in Olympic bobsled, combining elite athletes with precision engineering. Francesco Friedrich consistently has stood atop the podium in recent Games with multiple golds in both the 2-man and 4-man, while Laura Nolte is a top contender in women’s events, including monobob and 2-woman.

The United States also has a proud history. Steven Holcomb led the men's team to a historic gold in 2010, and Elana Meyers Taylor is one of the sport’s most decorated athletes.

Switzerland, home to bobsled’s earliest Olympic heroes, has a rich legacy that includes legends like Gustav Weder. While the Swiss haven’t dominated in recent decades, they remain a respected force on the ice.

Canada and Latvia have emerged as consistent medal threats, while programs like Jamaica and Nigeria have brought global attention and fresh energy to the sport with their groundbreaking Olympic appearances.

The bobsled events at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place at the Eugenio Monti Sliding Center in Cortina d’Ampezzo — named after Italy’s iconic bobsledder and two-time Olympic gold medalist.

This historic venue, originally built for the 1956 Winter Games, has been upgraded for the 21st century with modern safety features and sustainability measures. Located in the Italian Alps, it promises a stunning and challenging setting for the world’s best pilots to chase Olympic gold.