In bobsleigh, Wall Contact occurs when the sled hits the side of the ice track during a run. While the sled is designed to slide along the ice, hitting the wall usually causes problems for the team.
How It Happens
As the sled travels through sharp curves at high speeds, centrifugal force pushes it toward the outside of the turn. If the pilot enters the corner at the wrong angle or steers too late, the sled’s runners or its protective “side bumpers” slam into the ice wall.
The Consequences of Wall Contact
Athletes try to avoid wall contact for several reasons:
- Loss of Speed: Friction is the enemy. Every time the sled hits the wall, the ice grabs the sled and slows it down. In a sport where races are won by hundredths of a second, even a slight “tap” can cost a team the gold medal.
- Loss of Control: A hard hit can cause the sled to bounce or “skid.” This makes it much harder for the pilot to line up the next corner correctly.
- Structural Damage: Severe wall contact can damage the sled’s runners or the steering mechanism, making the sled vibrate and lose efficiency.
- Safety Risks: If the sled hits the wall too high in a curve, it can flip over. This results in a crash where the athletes must slide down the track upside down inside the sled.
“Glancing” vs. “Hitting”
Pilots occasionally use “glancing” contact to stabilize the sled in very narrow sections, but intentional contact is rare. Most wall contact is a mistake that indicates a poor “line” through the course.