It began as a show of courage. In 1809, Olaf Rye, a Norwegian lieutenant, ski-jumped a distance of 9.5 metres in the air before an audience of his soldiers. He was seeking a way to demonstrate his bravery and fortitude to his troops, and in performing this stunt, he became the first known ski jumper. From those beginnings, ski jumping has become a story of flying V's and Flying Finns. |
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The risk-reward equation is a defining element of ski jumping. The jumper reaches speeds of 90 km/h going down the ramp. He must snap his skis upward and lean forward upon takeoff, shifting his centre of gravity ahead, stretching long and steady towards his ski tips. The right form will give him flight itself -- lasting and exhilarating. The alternative might be "the agony of defeat."
Find out more about the nuances of ski jumping >>> |
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Telemark Position: The classic landing position with one ski placed in front of the other, lunging forward, and one knee bent toward the ground.
Learn more about the language of ski jumping.
Find out more about the language of Ski Jumping.
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