Skeleton is one of three sledding sports in the Olympic Winter Games. The sled, called a skeleton slider, is traditionally made of metal and modeled after the common toboggan. Modern skeletons are made of fiberglass and metal. They are low to the ground and fit the body closely. Two handles are on both sides of the sled.

Olympians race on the same track as the bobsled and luge. The icy track allows competitors to move at great speeds, up to 80 mph. There are no brakes or steering mechanisms on the skeleton. Athletes must navigate with slight movements and use their feet as brakes.

For this sport, as with all of the sledding events, the first push is the most important. How the Olympians manage their speed and the bends in the track determines their time and eventually their place among other racers. The competitor with the shortest time wins.

In the Winter Games, there are two events, one for men and one for women. The events are conducted in four heats over the period of two days. Skeleton was declared an Olympic event in 1926, but its presence in the Winter Games did not become permanent until 2002.