In an unusual and hazardous incident during a World Cup bobsled event held on Sunday in St. Moritz, Switzerland, American driver Kris Horn was compelled to complete the track without the assistance of his three teammates due to a failed start sequence. Typically, a four-man bobsled includes the driver plus three crew members who help provide momentum and assist with braking. However, this time, only Horn was able to mount the sled successfully and propel it down the icy track.
The issues began immediately as the sled was prepared for descent. Horn entered the sled first, consistent with standard racing protocol. His teammates Ryan Rager, Hunter Powell, and Caleb Furnell encountered difficulties attempting to board. Rager was the first to falter, initiating a sequence of problems for the crew. Powell suffered a forceful fall toward the track’s side, striking his back against the compacted ice when he failed to secure his spot. Furnell was similarly unable to enter his position. This chain of events left Horn alone in the sled without the usual collective mass that contributes to speed and control.
With no additional weight from his crewmates and no one available to engage the braking mechanism at the end of the run, Horn raced down the course alone. The run lasted just over one minute, during which he achieved speeds near 75 miles per hour (120 kilometers per hour). At the finish line, Horn demonstrated quick thinking by moving to the sled’s rear to manually apply the brakes and bring it to a stop.
Despite the dramatic scenario, the team reported that none of the athletes sustained serious injuries. Subsequent medical examinations and X-rays confirmed the absence of fractures or significant harm. Hunter Powell described his condition as "a little sore" but expected to recover within a few days.
The incident prompted immediate concern and assistance from coaches and athletes from various national teams, who gathered at the finish line to verify Horn’s welfare. Their reactions varied from visible disbelief to a supportive handshake. Horn himself communicated reassurance by waving to the television cameras stationed nearby.
This incident came on the heels of a challenging weekend for Horn. On the preceding day, he crashed during the two-man World Cup event. His brakeman in that race, Carsten Vissering, sustained abrasions severe enough to prevent his participation in the Sunday four-man race. Ryan Rager substituted for Vissering in that position.
USA Bobsled's head coach, Chris Fogt, expressed relief about the outcome of the episode, indicating that the situation could have been more severe. The coaching staff continues to prepare for the remaining World Cup race weekend ahead of the final team selections for the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Kris Horn remains a likely candidate for one of the men's bobsled driver positions alongside Frank Del Duca on the United States Olympic team.