Luge

A luge is small one- or two-person sled on which one sleighs supine and feet-first. Steering is done by flexing the sled's runners or pulling straps attached to the sled's runners. Luge is also the name of the sport which involves racing with such sleds.

History

The first organised meeting of the sport took place in 1883 in Switzerland. In 1913, the Internationale Schlittensportverband or International Sled Sports Federation, was founded in Dresden (Germany). This body governed the sport until 1935, when it was incorporated in the Fédération Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing (FIBT, International Bobsleigh and Tobagganing Federation). After it had been decided that luge would replace the sport of skeleton at the Olympic Games, the first World Championships in the sport were held in 1955 in Oslo (Norway). In 1957, the Fédération Internationale de Luge de Course (FIL, International Luge Federation) is founded. Luge events were included in the Olympic Winter Games in 1964.

Related Topics:
1883 - Switzerland - 1913 - Dresden - Germany - 1935 - Fédération Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing - Skeleton - Olympic Games - 1955 - Oslo - Norway - 1957 - Fédération Internationale de Luge de Course - Olympic Winter Games - 1964

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