Viererbob

Viererbob, or four-man bobsleigh, is a winter sliding sport in which a team of four athletes races down an ice track in a gravity-powered sled. The crew consists of a pilot, a brakeman, and two push athletes who assist at the start and help balance the sled early in the run. The pilot steers the sled along the course, while the brakeman operates the braking system at the end of the run.

Races are conducted on artificial ice tracks with a sequence of turns and straightaways at high speed. In major events, teams complete multiple runs (typically two to four) and the times are summed to determine the winner. Sled design emphasizes aerodynamics, rigidity, and lightweight construction, with precise steering and coordinated start pushes playing a crucial role in overall performance.

Governing body and events: The sport is internationally governed by the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF), formerly known as FIL. Viererbob is contested at the Winter Olympic Games and at the IBSF World Championships, alongside other bobsleigh disciplines such as two-man and two-woman events.

History and competition landscape: The four-man event has been part of the Olympic program since the early days of the Winter Games (first included in 1924). Over the years, nations such as Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and the United States have achieved success in this discipline, with medal outcomes varying across competitions and seasons.