Ski Jumping

Skiing event in which contestants ski down a steep ramp curved upward at the end and launch themselves into the air for distance.

Using a crouch position, skiers can achieve ramp speeds of 75 mi (120 km) per hour. After takeoff, they lean far forward from the ankles with knees straight and skis held open at the tips to form a V, a position that minimizes wind resistance and maximizes lift. Scoring is based partly on distance and partly on form.