DOWNHILL SKIING

ski race for speed on an adjusted downhill course that is marked by gates formed by paired poles, set at least 8 metres (26 feet) apart, through which the racer has to pass. Contestants make at least one timed practice run, then compete singly in an order set by previous performance and starting in one-minute intervals. The one who completes the course in the shortest time, without missing any gates, is the winner. Downhill was, with slalom, one of the original Alpine disciplines. In 1931 it was recognized by the world governing body of skiing, the International Ski Federation (FIS), as an official sport. The first downhill world championships were held the same year. Downhill debuted at the Olympics in 1948. For men's international championship events, the downhill course is typically 2.4 to 5 km (1.5 to 3 miles) long, with a vertical descent of up to 1,000 metres (3,281 feet) and terrain of a steepness and difficulty appropriate to the skill and endurance of the competitors. For women the course is 1.6 to 2.5 km (1 to 1.5 miles) long, with a maximum vertical drop of 700 metres (2,297 feet). Courses are characterized not in terms of length but of timee.g., a two-minute downhill. The average winning speed of downhill events is 64 to 80 km (40 to 50 miles) per hour. Speeds over 200 km (100 miles) per hour are achieved on special short courses, but these events are not rated as official downhill races. During straighter portions of a course, skiers go into a tuck position in order to be more aerodynamic and thus increase their speed. A unique, curved ski pole, which allows for a tighter tuck, is used in the downhill event. The FIS recognizes the dangers of traveling at such high speeds and takes great efforts to ensure the safety of its skiers. Competitors are required to wear crash helmets. Each competition is moderated by a race jury who has the right to remove skiers it deems weak or unprepared for a particular course. In addition, race organizers can add more gates to slow the descent of the hill as they see fit. The downhill probably demands the most courage of all the Alpine events.