US Bobsledder Kris Horn Completes Perilous Run After Teammate Mishap
A harrowing scene unfolded at the St. Moritz World Cup on Monday as US bobsledder Kris Horn navigated a treacherous course alone after his three teammates failed to board the four-man sled at the start. The incident left Horn to complete the run without crucial weight distribution and braking assistance, reaching speeds of approximately 120km/h.
The unusual circumstances arose as Horn, the driver, entered the sled as is standard procedure. However, teammates Ryan Rager, Hunter Powell, and Caleb Furnell each encountered difficulties getting into the vehicle, triggering a cascading series of mishaps.
Rager reportedly stumbled first, initiating a chain reaction. Powell was thrown toward the track wall, sustaining a hit to his back on the icy surface, while Furnell was unable to secure his position. Fortunately, initial assessments indicated no serious injuries. “A little sore,” Powell told The Associated Press. “I should be fine in a couple days.”
Despite the lack of weight, Horn skillfully guided the sled down the track, completing the run in just over a minute. Demonstrating quick thinking, he maneuvered to the rear of the sled and engaged the brake handles at the finish line.
Athletes and coaches from competing nations rushed to Horn’s aid, expressing relief and disbelief at the dramatic event. Horn, a former brakeman himself, signaled to television cameras that he was unharmed. “We are fortunate it wasn’t worse,” USA Bobsled head coach Chris Fogt stated.
The incident capped a difficult weekend for Horn, who also experienced a crash during Saturday’s two-man World Cup race. His brakeman for that event, Carsten Vissering, suffered abrasions and was unable to compete on Sunday, with Rager stepping in to fill the four-man slot.
With only one World Cup race weekend remaining, USA Bobsled and Skeleton is preparing to finalize its team for next month’s Milan Cortina Olympics. Horn is widely anticipated to be named as one of the men’s bobsled drivers, alongside Frank Del Duca.
