Off to a head start

Off to a head start

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Skeleton is a sport in which competitors hurtle, head-first, down an icy track at speeds that can reach 87 miles an hour (140 kph) with little protection beyond their helmets.

As athletes at this year's Sochi Winter Olympics showed, a real dash of style can be added to this vitally important piece of headgear. Competitors showed up in helmets adorned with a range of designs, like the glowing human brain sported by Canada's John Fiarbairn shown above.

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Slideshow

Canada's Eric Neilson waits before a men's skeleton training session at the Sanki Sliding Center in Rosa Khutor, a venue for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics
. ROSA KHUTOR, Russia. Reuters/Murad Sezer

Canada's Eric Neilson waits before a men's skeleton training session at the Sanki Sliding Center in Rosa Khutor, a venue for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics

Sarah Reid of Canada speeds down the track in a helmet inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead festival.
. ROSA KHUTOR, Russia. Reuters/Murad Sezer

Sarah Reid of Canada speeds down the track in a helmet inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead festival.

The United States' Katie Uhlaender wears a patriotic helmet while getting ready for a training session.
. ROSA KHUTOR, Russia. Reuters/Murad Sezer

The United States' Katie Uhlaender wears a patriotic helmet while getting ready for a training session.

Noelle Pikus-Pace of the U.S. competes during the women's skeleton event.
. ROSA KHUTOR, Russia. Reuters/Murad Sezer

Noelle Pikus-Pace of the U.S. competes during the women's skeleton event.

Canada's Mellisa Hollingsworth puts on her helmet before training at the Sanski Sliding Center.
. ROSA KHUTOR, Russia. Reuters/Fabrizio Bensch

Canada's Mellisa Hollingsworth puts on her helmet before training at the Sanski Sliding Center.

Ireland's Sean Greenwood speeds down the track.
. ROSA KHUTOR, Russia. Reuters/Murad Sezer

Ireland's Sean Greenwood speeds down the track.

John Daly of the U.S. reacts after competing in the men's skeleton event.
. ROSA KHUTOR, Russia. Reuters/Murad Sezer

John Daly of the U.S. reacts after competing in the men's skeleton event.

Sophia Griebel of Germany passes the finish line while training.
. ROSA KHUTOR, Russia. Reuters/Fabrizio Bensch

Sophia Griebel of Germany passes the finish line while training.