Bobsleigh track’s dangers revealed
Woman fractured vertebrae during quick 2016 ride
Public bobsleigh rides at the Whistler Olympic facility are billed as an “adrenalin-fuelled ride down the world’s fastest track,” but the experience may also have a dark side for older riders.
Freedom-of-information documents obtained by Postmedia News from the B.C. Safety Authority related to amusement-ride accidents last year in B.C. reveal that a 55-year-old woman suffered a “compression fracture” of the vertebrae during a 40-second ride down the track.
On Feb. 2, 2016, the woman was one of four people on a bobsleigh that included a trained bobsleigh pilot. She reported “hearing a crack” followed by “severe back pain” in the lower lumbar region near the bottom of the course, according to the documents.
“Upon arriving at the finish dock, the passenger was found to be slumped over in the sleigh, unwilling to move, and complaining of severe lower back pain.”
The woman later said she had “no previous medical history” related to the compression fracture. The documents note that a 2012 report in the U.S. National Library of Medicine suggested that older persons could be at greater risk of spinal fractures during such rides.
As such, the safety authority concluded “it is plausible ... that the participant associated with this incident was at greater risk for a spinal fracture because of their older age.”
The bobsleigh website states: “You and your team will coast through 10 twists and turns at speeds of 125+ km/hr and feel the acceleration of up to 4 G forces as you reach the track’s final and famous Thunderbird Corner.”
Famous for all the wrong reasons: That’s where Georgian luger athlete Nodar Kumaritashvili died during a training run just before the opening of the 2010 Olympics.
The website further warns: “We do not recommend taking part in our public sliding program if you are pregnant or suffer from a heart condition or any chronic, recent or severe head, neck or back injuries. This is due to the pressure put on the body when sliding. If you have any concerns please consult your doctor.” It does not state that older riders even without prior back injuries could be at greater risk.
The list of stated potential risks of the ride include motion sickness, nose bleeds, bumps and bruises, ice rashes, neck and back injury and sprains/broken bones. The cost is $179 plus tax per person.
Roger Soane, president and CEO of Whistler Sport Legacies, said in response it is extremely rare for anyone to seek medical attention after the ride and he personally rides the bobsleigh two to three times every winter, along with more than 5,000 regular paying guests.
The summer ride is on wheels, travels more slowly and attracts another 2,000 to 3000.
“It’s a very sensitive thing,” he said, noting guests receive a detailed orientation in advance. “I’m almost 60 and I consider myself in relatively good shape. If someone said I’m too old, I’d take offence.”
The Whistler incident occurred only four days before twin 17-yearold brothers died after sneaking into Calgary’s Canada Olympic Park. They were tobogganing down the track when they struck a gate. Six other teenage youths were injured.