Mäkihyppylaji

Mäkihyppylaji is a winter sport where competitors ski down a steep ramp known as an inrun, leap from the end of it, and attempt to fly as far as possible. The sport is judged on both distance and style. Athletes are typically evaluated by a panel of judges who award points based on their flight, landing, and overall technique. The distance is measured from the take-off point to the landing point, with longer jumps earning more points.

The sport requires a combination of strength, balance, courage, and precise technique. Ski jumpers use specialized equipment, including long, wide skis designed for lift and aerodynamic suits to minimize air resistance. The competitions are held on purpose-built hills of varying sizes, categorized by the hill size (K-point or construction point). Larger hills present greater challenges and allow for longer jumps.

Mäkihyppylaji has a long history, with origins tracing back to Norway in the 19th century. It became an Olympic sport in 1924, and has since evolved significantly with advancements in equipment and technique. The sport is governed by the International Ski Federation (FIS). Major competitions include the Winter Olympics, the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup, and the FIS Ski Flying World Championships. Ski flying is a discipline within ski jumping that takes place on even larger hills, allowing for jumps exceeding 200 meters.