Crotchgate Olympics 2026

 

Ski jumpers stay airborne by

transforming themselves into a human glider, balancing the forces of gravity, lift, and drag. By manipulating their body position, they can extend a jump to last between five and seven seconds. 

How They Stay in the Air

• The "V" Style: By splaying their skis into a V-shape rather than keeping them parallel, jumpers increase their surface area, creating roughly 28-30% more lift. This high-pressure air pushing upward acts on the base of the skis and the jumper's chest to keep them aloft longer.
• Aerodynamic Body Position: Jumpers lean forward into the wind, nearly parallel to the ground, to create a streamlined "wing" shape. This reduces pressure drag while maximizing the "angle of attack"—the specific angle relative to the air that produces the most lift.
• Speed & Momentum: Athletes reach speeds of up to 60 mph (96 kph) on the ramp. High speed is critical because lift is directly proportional to the square of the velocity.
• Equipment Regulations: Suits are made of spongy microfiber and must be extremely form-fitting. If the suits are even slightly loose, they act like a "squirrel suit," providing an unfair aerodynamic advantage. 

How They Train

• Wind Tunnel Testing: Elite jumpers use wind tunnels to fine-tune their body angles to the millimeter. This allows them to practice the flight phase for minutes at a time, whereas a real jump only offers a few seconds of "flight" practice.
• Simulated Landing & Acrobatics: Athletes use trampolines and bungee cords to master mid-air maneuvers and spatial awareness.
• Off-Season Facilities: Many jumpers train at specialized complexes that feature plastic-covered ramps and water ramps that allow them to land in pools or lakes during summer months.
• Strength & Explosiveness: Training focuses heavily on the "take-off" phase—a 0.3-second window where the athlete must produce maximal power perpendicular to the ramp to launch into the air. 

Would you like to know more about the specific scoring criteria used by judges to evaluate their mid-air style?