Treadmills, but not as you know them

Eyebrows raised at unconventional use of gym equipment have seen a number of videos go viral in recent years. But Olympic athletes are re-purposing the likes of the humble treadmill to suit their specific requirements for their sport.

"You never know what someone is training for," posted skeleton athlete Katie Uhlaender, who is trying to make history as the first US woman to make six Olympic Winter Games, so presumably knows her way around a gym at this point. "It could be for the #olympicgames. We are everywhere #olympians You also don’t have to be an Olympian to have the spirit of one! #trainhard out there 💪🫶"

The caption accompanied a video of the American running bent over on the treadmill – akin to the start of a sprint race in athletics – mimicking the explosive start on a skeleton run.

"We push a heavy sled, jump on head first, and go 80mph down ice," is Uhlaender's succinct description of her sport.

In the video, the two-time world champion is holding a grounded barbell on her right side, replicating the handle on the sled, left arm swinging to increase propulsion, the American's legs pump like pistons, utilising the equipment to keep training in the off-season.

Next to her, a runner provides the comparison for the more conventional use of the equipment.

"Haha, that is me running next to you! You’re amazing! What an honor to be running next to an Olympian! Go off!!! ✨😊 ," posted said Paul Giarratano in the comments.

See? You never know who you could be next to.

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