Sled dog racing at the 1932 Winter Olympics

At the Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid in 1932 for the first time a competition was held in dog sledding as a demonstration event. In Lake Placid dogsled races were already at that time an integral part of winter sports and can look back on a long tradition. This sport is especially popular in the United States (Alaska ) and Canada, so it is not surprising that all participants came only from these two countries.

A dog sled team then had to consist of seven dogs, six arranged in pairs animals chasing the biased lead dog. The driver had on the conclusions drawn by the dogs through. Among the 13 athletes who had largely already won several successes in the American Derby, Derby Alaskan or Canadian Derby, also took a woman participating in this event. Mrs. Milton brought her team successfully to the finish, but could only occupy the last place.

The competition lasted two days and was held under the rules of the New England Sled Dog Club. According to these rules the same course had to be traveled over 40.5 kilometers on both days. The winner was determined by the times of both runs were added to a total score. The rules also said that everyone started dog had to reach the goal, either on its own legs or sled. Due to the bad weather and snow conditions it really came to some dogs had to give up and were transported to the sled their owners to the finish.

Results

Sled Dog Race 40.5 km

Date 6 - February 7, 1932

Bob | Sports | Hockey | Figure Skating | Skating | Sled Dog Race | Nordic Skiing

• Competition at the 1932 Olympics