Can luge athletes wear extra weight?
Officials' detail · The sled and officials · 2 of 4Lighter athletes may wear extra weight on the body, never on the sled. A man may add the full gap between his body weight and 90 kg, up to 13 kg; a woman the gap to 75 kg, up to 10 kg. Doubles pairs get 75 per cent of the gap, and none if they weigh more than 180 kg together.
How it works
- Men's singles: 100 per cent of the gap to 90 kg, at most 13 kg.
- Women's singles: 100 per cent of the gap to 75 kg, at most 10 kg.
- Men's doubles: 75 per cent of the gap to 90 kg each; none if the pair weighs over 180 kg.
- Where it goes: on the body, in the torso or thigh area, fixed so it cannot shift.
- Thickness: at most 20 mm, or 30 mm in a 25 cm strip down the back.
- Race clothing: up to 4 kg is allowed for.
- Weigh-in: in long underwear and ski socks, before the draw; a female judge for women.
- At the start: body, clothing and additional weight must not exceed the permitted total.
The glossary has the additional weight, the weight check, the singles, the doubles, the sled weight limit and the race suit.
Tricky cases
A man weighs 80 kg. How much can he add?
10 kg, the full gap to 90 kg.
A man weighs 75 kg. Can he add 15 kg?
No. The cap for men is 13 kg.
Can weight be bolted to the sled?
Under no circumstances. Additional weight is worn by the athlete.
Does the heavier doubles partner help the lighter one?
Yes. Weight above 90 kg on one partner is credited to the lighter one before the table is applied.
Why the rule exists
Heavier athletes slide faster, so additional weight narrows the gap for lighter ones. Keeping it on the body and under a cap stops the rule from turning into a weight race.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Men's and women's singles | 100 per cent of the gap | IRO §8 5.1.2, 5.1.3 |
| Junior singles | 75 per cent of the gap | IRO §8 5.1.5, 5.1.6 |
| Women's doubles | 75 per cent of the gap to 75 kg; none over 150 kg | IRO §8 5.1.4.1 |
From the rule book
FIL, International Luge Regulations (IRO), artificial track (2026 edition), §5 points 2 and 3.1.2 and §8 points 4 and 5. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the FIL International Luge Regulations, issued each season.