Why ski jumpers hold their skis in a V

Its more about aerodynamics than aesthetics.

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If you looked at photos of ski jumpers today and ski jumpers 50 years ago, youd notice one big difference.

In the past, jumpers held their skis tightly underneath their body in a parallel position. Keeping the body in a straight line like this was considered elegant and appealing. But more importantly, it was the position jumpers used to gather as much distance as possible. This position made athletes thin and small, which allowed them to move forward through the air quickly. However, the parallel position didnt do much to help them fight gravity.

In the 1980s, ski jumper Jan Boklov tested out a different ski position one that resembled a V. He noticed that the V shape allowed him to achieve longer distances.

Thats because, unlike the parallel position, the V position allows air to hit athletes' bodies directly. Instead of cutting through the air quickly, theyre using their body to catch air like a wing. This extra air lifts athletes up, allowing them to stay airborne longer and go further. This small change revolutionized the sport, and since then, gold medal winners have used the V style to make it to the podium.

Further reading:
To learn more about USA Nordic: https://usanordic.org/

You can also follow USA Nordic on both Instagram and Twitter at @USANordic.

Great diagrams on the airflow of the ski jump - https://usanordic.org/four-phases-of-a-ski-jump/

1995 paper referred to in the video: Desirable Gliding Styles and Techniques in Ski Jumping: https://sci-hubtw.hkvisa.net/10.1123/jab.11.4.460

Smithsonian Science Education Center - Falling with style: The science of ski jumping https://ssec.si.edu/stemvisions-blog/falling-style-science-ski-jumping#:~:text=During%20flight%2C%20ski%20jumpers%20harness,lift%2C%20drag%2C%20and%20weight

Chicago Tribune - Ski jumping 101: Aerodynamics key to success https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/olympics/ct-ski-jumping-aerodynamics-winter-olympics-20180209-story.html

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