Ski jumping from equipped ski jumps is included in the Nordic combined ski program, and also acts as an independent sport. Norway is considered the birthplace of ski jumping, where similar competitions were held already in 1840.
At first, skiers jumped from natural ledges on mountain slopes, later from specially erected structures. The length of the flight was not measured, the height of the jump was important. The official registration of the range began in 1868. Since 1945, jumps have also been judged according to the correctness of the flight, dynamic balance, body control during flights, landing technique and entertainment.
The program of the first Winter Olympics in 1924 included jumping from a 70-meter springboard, and since 1964 skiers have jumped from a 70-and 90-meter springboard. Since 1992, individual performances have been held on springboards with a height of 90 and 120 meters, team performances - only on 120 meters.
Jumps are judged by five judges on a 20-point system. In this case, the best and worst marks are discarded, three averages are counted. Particular attention is paid to the landing technique, for falling or touching the ground with his hands, each judge removes 10 points. Only men can participate in official ski jumping competitions.
Ski jumping technique has changed over time. Norwegian jumpers practiced the parachuting manner of jumping, with which until 1954 they were practically invariable winners at the world championships and at the Olympic Winter Games.
Then the championship was taken by the Finns, who switched to the so-called aerodynamic style. During the jump, the skiers began to press their hands tightly to the body and lie almost parallel to the skis. In addition, the Finnish jumpers guessed to weaken the spring that attracts the boots to the skis, thereby increasing the lift. Since 1964, not only Finns and Norwegians began to receive medals, but also jumpers from the German Democratic Republic, Germany, the USSR, Austria, Poland, and Sweden.
In 1989, an athlete from Sweden, Jan Boklev, made a revolution in ski jumping technique. He spread the toes of the skis after pushing off, which significantly increased the range of flights. At first, the judges did not like the new style and gave Boklev low marks for technique. But in terms of jumping distance, he simply had no equal, and in the future the whole world switched to the V-shaped technique.
The new jumping style has given rise to a new profile of jumps that are more elongated. Athletes, tearing themselves away from them, catch the currents of air and soar like gliders. This made it possible to increase flight safety.
