Thank you for your interest in the sports of bobsled and skeleton.  The Utah Olympic Park (UOP) works with The United States Bobsled and Skeleton Federation (USBSF) recruiting and developing athletes for the United States National Team.  This summer we will be conducting several USBSF combine tests in Utah.  The test consists of sprinting, a weight toss, broad-jump, power clean and squat. The test is used by USBSF to rank athletes for the U.S. National and Development teams. (Please go to www.usbsf.com for more information on the combine test.)
What it takes to be the best

• Each athlete is required to take the USBSF combine test and pass the minimum score.
• Each athlete then must attend and pass a Driving School in Park City or Lake Placid.  The Driving School in Park City will be schedule in November or December 2010.
• The UOP sliding season runs for November 2010 through mid-March 2011, and the more sliding session’s athletes participate in the better they become.
•  Athletes must compete in Regional Championships which allows them to be ranked before they can compete in the USBSF National Team selection races.
• Approximate Height and Weight of Athletes Competing at an International Level
• Men’s Bobsled- Height: 5’10” – 6’3” Weight: 180 – 240 lbs
• Women’s Bobsled- Height: 5’6” – 5’9” Weight: 150 – 175 lbs
• Men’s Skeleton- Height: 5’6” – 6’0” Weight: 150 – 180 lbs
• Women’s Skeleton- Height: 5’0” – 5’9” Weight: 130 – 170 lbs

The UOP will host two four-day push camps during the 2010 summer. 
One camp will be for athletes aged 13 – 17, and the second for athletes aged 18-26.  Each camp will start every morning at a running track then proceed to the dryland push track at UOP.  Every day will conclude with an athlete seminar where experts will provide information on topics such as nutrition, hydration, media training, relaxation, etc.  The camps are designed to help prepare athletes for a long healthy career in sport.
After athletes meet the requirements to participate in the UOP Development Program they are invited to attend a Driving School where the basics on how to drive a bobsled or skeleton safely down the track are taught.  Athletes who wish to become brake persons will learn how to move sleds, maintain sleds and the basics for becoming a good team member with the driver.
It is a long road to become an Olympian. 
On average it takes a skeleton athletic 4 to 8 years, bobsled drivers 8 years and brake persons 4 years.

The Utah Olympic Park is committed to helping athletes become the very best they can be. 

Please keep checking www.olyparks.com for updates on programs and if you have questions contact Pat Brown, Head Coach, UOP Bobsled and Skeleton Development Program at pat.brown@olyparks.com.