By KIMBER KAY
Preparing for the 2002 Winter Olympics, Park City has attracted a world-renowned expert on bobsledding and his exhibit.
Max Triet of the Swiss Sport Museum, an expert on bobsledding and its history, will lecture on the history of bobsledding at the Kimball Art Center at 638 Park Ave., Park City.
Triet has brought with him an exhibit on the history of the bobsled, celebrating 100 years since the first bobsled association was formed. This display will be available to the public until Feb. 4.
'This exhibit is a rare opportunity for people to learn about the history of bobsledding. It is the first time this exhibit will be seen in the United States,' said Betsy Quintana, Exhibition Curator, Kimball Art Center.
Bobsledding was a sport developed in Switzerland in the late 1800s. The first bobsled run was made in Switzerland in 1888 by an American, Stephen Whitney. The Swiss perfected racing down icy roads on metal sleds on St. Moritz, near Italy.
As the popularity of the sport increased in the early 1900s, bobsleds grew to accommodate two, three, four and five people. Clubs and associations were quickly formed and championships held. The sport developed by the elite spread all over Europe and into rural America.
By the first Winter Olympics in 1924 at Chamonix, France, bobsledding was included in the competitions.
Bobsledding used to be a dangerous sport. The exhibit displays some old clothing designed to protect the sledders. They wore helmets, heavy clothing and leather patches at the knees and elbows.
The danger of the sport lies in careening out of the run at speeds of up to 80 miles an hour. There were many accidents and fatalities associated with bobsledding until the last few decades. Bobsled runs now have covered corners so the sledders cannot slide out of the run.
There hasn't been a serious accident for over five years, and Triet said if you are in shape, bobsledding is fairly safe.
'A helmet and the bobsled itself is protection enough,' Triet said.
The exhibit is free of charge, but a donation of a few dollars is encouraged. An imported cheese buffet will be served during the reception, courtesy of the Swiss Consul General and the Swiss Cheese Union.