Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1912-01-13

INV Americans are world leaders
" in outdoor sports, it is true
nevertheless that in point
of winter sports, such as skiing, tobog-
gaming and bobsledding, other coun-
tries hold first place. For instance,
in Switzerland, Norway and Sweden
winter sports of this sort are cult,
you might say, whose popularity keeps
growing.
In the United States ski jumping,
Norwegian sport, is more popular In
the northwest than elsewhere, Wiscon-
sin and Minnesota ranking first The
national skiing tournaments are held In
the latter state every February.
ski jumping is replete with thrills,
and in Norway the contestant, VINO
must be more than tweny-six years OF
age, first has to submit to medical
examination in order that it may be
determined If his physical condition
will warrant his participating in this
exciting diversion Skis are about sew
en- feet In length and are attached to
the wearer's shoes.
Iceboating and ice hockey are other
winter sports that are popular in the
United States. The latter game is one
for hardy youth, demanding pluck and
skill Cross country running also be-
longs in the category Of popular winter
pastimes.
But for the most spectacular winter
sports we must go abroad.
The Swiss have taken the bobsled
and the toboggan out of the hands of
the English and shown them how to
score 100 miles an hour in a three mile
run. they have taught the Germans
skeleton sled running, they have
eclipsed Norway in skiing and skat-
ing, and they have provided such ex-
ceptional facilities for curling and
hockey that the national organization
of Scotland. the home of curling, jour
neys to the Alps by special train for
it's annual tournament.
In Switzerland the bobsleigh is cred
tied with having been introduced from
England. The bob might be called a
twin toboggan, as it may be composed
of two toboggans held together "tan-
DEM fashion, consisting of two pairs
of sled runners, one behind the other,
on which rests a wooden platform
about ten feet long and about a foot
from the snow. A bob Is capable of
seating from two to six persons, the
pilot steering in front, the brake
guiding behind and the middle men,
bers balancing or "bobbing."
ToBocGANING
Tobogganing in America has reach
ed its highest development in and
about Montreal. But tobogganing in
Montreal is child's play compared with
the sport in Switzerland.
At st. Moritz the Cresta run, flooded
: every night to present a smooth, gfis-
tening speedway in the morning, af-
fords possibilities for the daring racer.
1t is on this run that a speed of 40
miles an hour has been attained. There
are ice runs throughout the resort dis
trict They are constructed with al
the care of state road on timber and
concrete foundations, sometimes hang
ing like a shelf on the face of elm
with ample guard rails to prevent the
coaster from taking a fight into the
unknown.
Tobogganing has become a highly
specialized form of sport, engaging the
attention OF the most scientific experts
in the construction of the vehicle itself
and of the tracks. In all of these de
velopments Americans blazed the way
in Switzerland. '.Skeets" Martin, the
famous Yankee Jockey. having beer
the first to risk the unknown dangers
of the speediest course in Switzerland
on a skeleton steel machine in thu
f1opdown. head on position.
The beginner in tobogganing seeks 9
quiet place. remote from observation
for his first lessons. He will use
borrowed outfit. with which he will
practice until he has acquired sufh
Client expertnesS. With the coming OF
confidence he will try himself out OF