Ski Jumping
History
Ski jumping has been a part of the Olympic Winter Games since the first Games in Chamonix in 1924. The Large Hill competition was included in the program for Innsbruck 1964 Olympic Winter Games. .
Ski Jumping in Russia
Russia's first ski jumpers made headlines in St. Petersburg and Moscow in the early 20th century. In 1906, skiers from the North Star Club built the first wooden jump near St. Petersburg from which they jumped as far as 10-12 m. This fascinating event gradually grew in popularity. Referees at the first official competition held in 1912 in Yukka near St. Petersburg passed judgment by guess-work based primarily on general impressions of the jump.
Ski Jumping as it is
To date, only men can compete in ski jumping at the Olympic Games. Women’s World Championships have been held since 2009— currently the highest level event for women. Three men's ski jumping events are held at the Olympics: Individual Normal Hill, Individual Large Hill and the Team Event. 3 sets of Olympic medals are awarded in ski jumping.
Individual Normal Hill is the only ski jumping event on HS 105m hill (K-95). The longest distance reached is around 105m. There are two jumps (the first round - open to 50 who qualified on the day before and the final round - limited to the top 30 after the first round). The athlete with the highest total score is declared the winner.
Individual Large Hill is contested on HS 140 m hill (K-125). The best jumpers land at around 140 meters. There are two jumps: the first round, open to 50 who qualified on the day before; and the final round, limited to the top 30 after the first round. The athlete with the highest total score is declared the winner.
The Team Event runs on HS 140 m hill (K-125). There are four members in each team, and there are two jumps (a first and a final round). All teams start in the first round. In the final round the field is reduced to the eight best teams. The team with the highest total score over the eight jumps is declared the winner.
Sports Equipment
- Special boots with high instep allowing skiers to lean forward during flight.
- The binding must be mounted parallel to the run-direction. The binding must be placed in such a way that a maximum 57% of the entire ski length is used as the front part.
- A connection cord that is a part of the binding attaches the ski to the boot and prevents the wobbling of skis during flight.
- All portions of the suit must be made of the same material and must offer sufficient breathability. Special jumping skis can be up to a maximum length of 146% of the total height of the competitor.
Ski jumping in Sochi
The «RusSki Gorki» Jumping Center, where ski jumping events will take place during the Olympic Games of 2014 in Sochi, is located in the village of Esto-Sadok on the northern slope of the Aibga Ridge.
The «RusSki Gorki» Jumping Center integrates the most up-to-date Olympic ski jumps К-95 and К-125. The ski jumps arena at a junction of two ridges was deliberately selected by international experts so that the jumpers would be protected from side winds and so that the ski jumps would blend into the landscape.
The facility with capacity of 9,600 was commissioned in 2012 for test competitions.
After the Games, the «RusSki Gorki» Jumping Center will be used as the National Training Center. The Center includes: a stadium for 9,600 people, a warm-up zone and a permanent building for Games operations that will provide services related to the administration of the Games.