The World of Ski Jumping

Happy Friday! Since last week was a super short week due to Mid-Winter Break, this past week seemed to go on forever. So many things were piled on me that I’m in desperate need of the weekend. One of those things included a presentation about ski jumping for my Biomechanics class. With the Olympics in full swing, this class is focusing on the physics and biomechanics of movement required in each event. Therefore, I thought it would be appropriate to share some interesting information with everybody about ski jumping. I don’t want to make this a mundane blog about the history of the sport, so I’ll just give you some cool facts about the sport and it’s development over the years:

  • The Sochi Olympics is the first year women got to compete in ski jumping
  • The first woman to do so was Sarah Hendrickson (she’s 19 years old!)
  • Ski jumping originated in Norway in 1808
  • The first jump in 1808 was 9.5 meters and now the record is 246.5 meters
  • The length of the skis can be 147% of the person’s height
  • Each competitor must have a BMI (body mass index) of at least 18.5 in order to discourage eating disorders
  • Scoring is based on distance achieved as well as the style the skier has
  • Wind tunnels are used for training when trying to improve aerodynamic technique
  • There are practice hills on Astroturf during the summer months
  • The V-shape technique of the skis in the air initially was frowned upon but now if proved to increase the lift and total fly time of the skier
  • Sara Takanashi would have received a silver medal if she competed against men

If you are more interested in this event and have not seen it on the Olympics, here’s a cool training video of Sara Hendrickson:

I hope everyone is enjoying watching the Olympics and is cheering the USA team on! Have a great rest of your week and get rested up…next week are midterms. Yikes!

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @hopeleslie15.

Posted inAcademics
Loading...

Published by Leslie Kempers

Hey Everyone! My name is Leslie Kempers and I am from Santa Ana, California. I am a Senior this year and am majoring in Exercise Science so after my time here at Hope, I will be pursuing a career in physical therapy! I have previously been involved with Nykerk and CASA and am excited to see what this year has in store for me. This place has become my second home and I have cherished every moment here at Hope College. Go Dutchmen!!!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *