So, You Want To Try Skeleton Racing? Use These Tips From Akwasi Frimpong

So, You Want To Try Skeleton Racing? Use These Tips From Akwasi Frimpong

Nothing is scarier than watching athletes jump onto a carbon fiber sled and dive down an ice track at full speed. But athletes like Akwasi have done it time and time again, making our jaws drop in sheer awe at the way these daredevils make skeleton racing look effortless and easy.

But despite looking “scary,” skeleton racing is just as safe as bobsledding and luge. If you’ve decided to give it a try, you’ve made the right decision!

Here are Akwasi’s top tips for beginners who want to take up skeleton racing:

Find the Right Location

Finding the right track so you can practice is the most important step. Unfortunately, it’s easier said than done. With only 16 tracks worldwide, the only way to practice is to look up past Olympic hosts nearby. St. Moritz, Lillehammer, La Plagne, and Nagano are good for beginners. You can look up the contact details of the tracks online and inquire about the details. If there are courses for beginners, they’re most likely going to cost you $150 per session.

Timing is Everything

Because most tracks operate seasonally, you can’t expect to practice during summers! Practice as much as you can during the winters and train religiously during the summers. Remember that skeleton racing isn’t just about racing down the ice track.

You have to run up to 50 meters before jumping onto the sled. This means you’ll need to work on your running technique and speed because this will determine the outcome of the race.

For skeleton racers, how they start is the most important thing. If you’re slower than your competition at the start, no matter how well you do on the track, you won’t be able to make it.

So, during the summers, make sure to work on your speed and the core of your muscles to ensure a good head-start.

Assess Your Condition

It took Akwasi Frimpong years of training to be able to get where he is today. You’ll need to take good care of your health and make sure your body is up for the strict regime you’ll need to follow.

If you start today and train every day, within four years, you’ll be able to compete in competitions.  But before you do that, make sure you meet the height and weight restrictions!

Get Equipped

You’ll be able to get a helmet and sled at the track you’ll use for training. But make sure to get the right winter clothing and good shoes. Your equipment accounts for 60% of the results. Don’t forget that training at a track means being exposed to the cold weather, so make sure you’re dressed accordingly!

Follow Akwasi’s Journey

And last but not least, for a dose of inspiration, follow Akwasi’s journey to the Beijing Olympics 2022!

It’s been a tough journey for the Dutch-Ghanaian athlete, but he’s made both countries proud of all that he’s achieved so far. He continues to strive for excellence and is currently training for the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022.

If all things go as planned, Akwasi Frimpong will be bringing home the Gold medal in Beijing Olympics 2022 as the first Ghanaian slider in skeleton.

Check out his awesome journey here.