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Skiing
(www.olympic.org)
Updated: 2006-02-10 14:04
It was not long before Man worked out how to move quickly through deep snow
in the wilder parts of the world, as paintings discovered in the 1930s clearly
portray. On the ancient artefacts, which were found in Russia and are thought to
be at least 6000 years old, a hunter on rudimentary skis is clearly identifiable
alongside reindeers. It is virtually certain that a form of skiing has been an
integral part of life in colder countries since that time.
Obviously the
principal use of skis until recently was for the transportation of goods and
people or for the swift movement of soldiers patrolling remote, icy borders.
Horses were clearly not much use in three metres of snow, so other methods had
to be developed and skis quickly became as natural an accoutrement of everyday
life as hats and gloves.
The Olympic Winter Games present five disciplines of Skiing: Alpine, Cross
Country, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Freestyle as well as Snowboarding. To
compete in these various disciplines one needs to master speed, endurance,
dexterity, and determination.
LIST OF DISCIPLINES
This sport includes several Olympic disciplines. Discover the sport through
its competition format, equipment, glossary and history.
Alpine
Skiing
Cross Country Skiing
Freestyle Skiing
Nordic
Combined
Ski Jumping
Snowboard
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