A brief history...
Luge is the French word for “sledge” and, like bobsleigh, it was developed as a sport in Switzerland. Its roots go back to the 16th century, but it was not until 300 years later that the first luge tracks were built by Swiss hotel owners to cater for thrill-seeking tourists.
Davos
The first course was built in Davos in 1879, and four years later the town was host to the first international competition, with competitors racing along an icy 4km road between Davos and the village of Klosters. The sport then transferred to what has become its spiritual home, the purpose-built Cresta Run in nearby St Moritz.
No brakes
Luge is one of the oldest winter sports. It involves competitors lying on their backs on a tiny sled with their feet stretched out in front of them, and racing down an icy track at speeds in the range of 155 km/h, without brakes. As well as the singles, there is a pairs event, with the larger of the two team members lying on top for better aerodynamics.
Championship history
It was not until 1955 that the first world championships took place, and it was another nine years before luge made its Olympic debut at the 1964 Games in Innsbruck. At first, the sport was dominated by East Germans who, from 1964 to 1988, won an incredible 15 of the 21 gold medals on offer.