At a Glance
- U.S. bobsled driver Kris Horn completed a four-man run alone after his three teammates failed to board the sled on Jan. 11
- Horn crawled from the driver seat to the back to operate the brakes, reaching speeds near 80 mph
- Teammates Ryan Rager, Hunter Powell and Caleb Furnell tumbled into the track wall at the start
- Why it matters: The incident highlights the dangers of the sport and the quick thinking required to prevent disaster
U.S. bobsled pilot Kris Horn was forced to finish a World Cup four-man race solo on Jan. 11 after his three pushers missed the sled during the start in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Video shows the athletes sprinting alongside the sled; Horn jumped in first, but Rager, Powell and Furnell collided and fell as the sled accelerated away.
With no brakeman aboard, Horn-who began his career as a brakeman-slid from the front seat to the rear to control the sled as it topped 80 mph, crossing the finish uninjured. Powell told the AP he was “a little sore” but expected to recover in days; X-rays for all three pushers were negative. USA Bobsled head coach Chris Fogt called the team “fortunate it wasn’t worse.” Horn, 31, an Olympian from the 2022 Beijing Games, is projected to make the Olympic roster with one World Cup race remaining before selection.
Team Reaction and Next Steps
The mishap occurred during the final World Cup stop before USA Bobsled and Skeleton names its Olympic squad. Horn’s ability to steer and brake alone prevented a crash that could have ended both his run and his season.
- Horn represented the U.S. at the 2022 Winter Olympics
- The squad has one more World Cup event before Olympic team selection
- Coach Fogt emphasized the outcome could have been disastrous
- All three fallen pushers escaped serious injury
Historical Context of the Incident
While bobsled crashes at the start are not unheard of, it is rare for a driver to complete a competitive run entirely alone. Horn’s prior experience as a brakeman proved critical in enabling him to reach the rear seat and apply the brakes before the finish curve.
Key facts:
- Location: St. Moritz, Switzerland
- Date: January 11, 2026
- Sled type: Four-man World Cup race
- Speed: Approximately 80 mph
- Injuries: None to driver; minor soreness for pushers
Looking Ahead to the Olympics
With the Beijing 2022 veteran at the helm, the U.S. squad remains optimistic about its Olympic prospects despite the scare. Horn’s quick reflexes and familiarity with both driving and braking roles may bolster his standing in the final selection meeting.
Key takeaways:
- Horn’s solo run ended safely, preserving his Olympic hopes
- Coach Fogt praised the athlete’s composure under pressure
- Team medical staff cleared all three pushers after negative X-rays
- One remaining World Cup race will finalize the U.S. Olympic bobsled roster
