DYNAMICS OF HUMAN FLIGHT ON SKIS - IMPROVEMENTS IN SAFETY AND FAIRNESS IN SKI JUMPING

This study of ski jumping includes three areas of research: Wind tunne l measurements with world class athletes in various flight positions, field measurements during the World Championships in Ski Flying 1994 i n Planica (Slovenia) and a highly reliable mapping of ski jumping to a computable simulation model. The results explain the effects of equip ment, flight style changes, the reason for the enhanced tumbling risk and high gust sensitivity observed. Consequences can be drawn for chan ges to the FIS regulations, the design of jumping hills and training m ethods. The intentionally induced anorexia of the athletes could be pr ohibited by a new ski length regulation. Women jumpers could become a real competitive threat. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.