In a heart-stopping incident that sent shockwaves through the winter sports community, the United States men's bobsled team suffered a dramatic and embarrassing mishap during a World Cup event in Switzerland.
Chaos at the Start in St. Moritz
The calamity unfolded on Sunday, 13 January 2026, on the iconic ice track of St. Moritz. As the American sled launched from the start house during the crucial push phase, three of its four athletes—Ryan Rager, Hunter Powell, and Caleb Furnell—failed to successfully jump into the speeding sled.
Video footage from the event captures the brutal moment the trio tumbled onto the ice as their sled began its high-speed descent without them. The athletes were left sprawling on the track in the wake of their departing craft, a scene of pure sporting disaster.
A Lone Driver's Fight to the Finish
Miraculously, driver Kris Horn managed to complete his entry into the sled. He was suddenly alone, tasked with piloting a four-man bobsled designed for a full crew down one of the world's most challenging courses.
Against the odds, Horn displayed remarkable composure and skill. He successfully navigated the remaining twists and turns of the St. Moritz track, steering the sled across the finish line to complete the run, albeit with a ruined time.
Olympic Preparations Marred by Scare
The immediate and most important outcome was that none of the athletes sustained serious injuries from the nasty tumble. This news brought immense relief to the team and supporters, especially with the Winter Olympics looming on the horizon.
However, the incident represents a significant setback for the US team's preparations. Such a high-profile error in a World Cup race—the premier circuit for the sport—raises urgent questions about coordination, timing, and start procedure just as the Olympic cycle intensifies.
This spectacular failure to board will undoubtedly force a major review of the team's start technique and teamwork. For the athletes involved, recovering psychologically from such a public mishap may be as crucial as their physical readiness as they aim to bounce back ahead of the Games.
