Skeleton - Men's Tickets

The skeleton is an event that is deep in Olympic tradition but took an unexpected 54-year hiatus from the Winter Games until returning to competition in 2002 in Torino, Italy.

The sport was initially male only, but competition was opened up to females beginning with the 2002 Winter Olympics.

While many people first thing of Halloween when they hear the term 'skeleton,' they actually aren't all that far off. The sport gained its name because someone thought that the sled used in competition resembled a skeleton.

The skeleton is very similar to the bobsled and luge, with the only differences being that it is a sled and is manned by a single person.

It reminds me of those cold, snowy winter days heading to the nearest steep hill for hours of sledding, although this event obviously involves a much faster and steeper course.

The sled does not travel as fast as the bobsled or luge, but it's much more difficult to steer and control, adding an element of danger. Adding to the danger is the fact that the sled is ridden face first, which is the opposite of the way the luge is ridden.

The United States had its share of controversy in this event in the 2006 Olympics, beginning with sexual harrassment allegations involving its head coach which eventually proved to be untrue. Still, he did not end up joining the team and coaching them in the Olympics. In addition, one of the competitors was suspended for a drug used to mask performance-enhancing drugs when it comes to testing.