Full Breakdown
U.S. Bobsledder Kris Horn Survives Solo Ride in St. Moritz
1/12/2026, 8:07:29 AM
Incident Overview
During a World Cup race in St. Moritz, Switzerland, U.S. bobsledder Kris Horn experienced a harrowing solo run after his three teammates—Ryan Rager, Hunter Powell, and Caleb Furnell—failed to enter the four-man sled. Horn, who is the driver, was the first to get into the sled, but his teammates encountered difficulties, leading to a chaotic start. Rager stumbled initially, which triggered a series of mishaps that prevented Powell and Furnell from boarding the sled.
The Solo Run
With no additional weight in the sled, Horn navigated the course alone, reaching speeds of approximately 75 mph during the run, which lasted just over a minute. Despite the precarious situation, Horn managed to steer the sled across the finish line and successfully engaged the brakes. Athletes and coaches from various national teams gathered at the finish line, expressing concern and disbelief at Horn's ability to complete the run safely. "We are fortunate it wasn't worse," stated USA Bobsled head coach Chris Fogt.
Athlete Well-Being
Fortunately, none of the U.S. sliders sustained serious injuries. X-rays for all involved returned negative results, although Powell reported feeling "a little sore" but expected to recover in a few days. The incident followed a challenging weekend for Horn, who had crashed out of the two-man World Cup race the previous day, resulting in his brakeman, Carsten Vissering, suffering abrasions and being unable to compete in the four-man event.
Implications for the Team
As the U.S. bobsled team prepares for the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics, Horn is anticipated to be named one of the men's bobsled drivers, alongside Frank Del Duca. The incident has raised questions about team coordination and safety protocols, especially as the team approaches the final World Cup race weekend before the Olympics.
Criticism & Opposition
While the incident highlighted Horn's skills and composure, it also drew attention to the need for improved communication and preparation among the team members. Critics may argue that such a mishap could have been avoided with better coordination during the sled entry process.
