Speeding along at 90 mph in a car can be frightening. Achieving that speed using only gravity, with nothing but a thin sled between you and rock-hard ice is unimaginable to all but a select few humans. Skeleton sledder John Daly is one such person.
Even to avid sports fans, the sensation of moving through a bobsled track at well over highway speeds is a foreign one, so CNN’s Great Big Story attached cameras to Daly during a practice run to share the experience with non-sledders. The resulting footage is a beautiful, terrifying blur that conveys the danger and excitement these racers live at every event.
At full speed, just lifting his head is a herculean effort. Yet, that strength and control is a necessity as the racer moves headfirst through the twisty course, plotting out turns two or three moves in advance under immense stress and stimulation. The racers’ sleds, which can weigh as much as 95 pounds for men, have no steering or braking mechanisms, so a cool head and lightning-fast reflexes are paramount not just to win, but to survive the series of runs.
The luge racers may reach higher speeds during their runs, but skeleton racers speed down the track headfirst, which doesn’t necessarily make for a more dangerous event, but it certainly is a more frightening one for both racers and fans.
Before competing as a sledder, Daly was a BMX racer all too aware of the dangers of speed. He made the move to skeleton after breaking both his wrists in a practice run on his bike. His Sochi Olympic dreams were crushed in 2014, when he slipped at the beginning of his final run, causing him to fall from medal contention to 15th place. Daly is seeking redemption at the Pyeongchang Games.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.