Winter Olympics

[rsrguy]

A snow covered hill without measures doesn't provide a consistent surface to jump from for all competitors.
Every time a ski runs across snow, the surface is melted. In cold conditions the water freezes back into the snow, with temp fluctuations during an event there's too much variation in the track to provide a consistent surface...this is why the alpine event courses are all injected with water. Ice is a more consistent surface than snow.
The jumps are even more subject to consistency issues because everyone runs in the same track. On an alpine course the line can vary a bit, but even then they always rut out in the same places.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by berettafan

was it always like this even in the 70s? I thought I remembered a snow covered jump without tracks. Would prefer that honestly.

Remember the opening of Wide World of Sports? The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat showing the jumper wiping out.

[rsrguy]

Every Saturday, first thing i thought of when Beretta posted.

[berettafan]

Yep that was in my mind as well!

I like that better than the sanitized jump mech we have now. Not to say the athletes aren't positively death defying and should have a third ski to carry their balls but it's just not the same.

[unclebilly]

Originally Posted by rsrguy

A snow covered hill without measures doesn't provide a consistent surface to jump from for all competitors.
Every time a ski runs across snow, the surface is melted. In cold conditions the water freezes back into the snow, with temp fluctuations during an event there's too much variation in the track to provide a consistent surface...this is why the alpine event courses are all injected with water. Ice is a more consistent surface than snow.
The jumps are even more subject to consistency issues because everyone runs in the same track. On an alpine course the line can vary a bit, but even then they always rut out in the same places.

Yep, it’s all about trying to create an even playing field for every athlete. I’m not sure how it worked but they had a different point adder depending on what step the athlete left from (not all the same starting point). The step is somehow determined by wind strength and direction to even out lift. It looked like the coached were monitoring wind speed and giving the athletes the ‘go’ based on that.

I know little about alpine ski jumping.

[gregpark]

I miss Eddie the eagle

[rfuerst911sc]

Jordan Stolz of the US gets silver in the men's 1500m skate . He was heavily favored for the gold but lost by .77 . The guy from China that won the gold skated his best ever time .

Jordan now has 2 golds and a silver from these Olympics and has one more race the team relay . Go USA

[rfuerst911sc]

OT thriller in women's hockey final . Congratulations to the winner 🏆 . Well done 👏

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

OT thriller in women's hockey final . Congratulations to the winner 🏆 . Well done 👏

I was on the edge of my seat! We were treated to some of the best hockey I've ever seen. Once again a battle of the goalies.

[911boost]

That was a great game and an even better pass in OT that lead to the goal.

Hope the men's continues to be just as good.

[berettafan]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Jordan Stolz of the US gets silver in the men's 1500m skate . He was heavily favored for the gold but lost by .77 . The guy from China that won the gold skated his best ever time .

Jordan now has 2 golds and a silver from these Olympics and has one more race the team relay . Go USA

China guy just looked so explosive at the start. Super cool view in that.

[rfuerst911sc]

And how about US women's skater Alysa Liu yesterday winning the gold . Her performance was not only near perfect but was so beautiful to watch . It seemed like as soon as she stepped onto the ice she connected with the audience . So relaxed and confident . Not bad for a 20 year old that walked away from the sport a few years ago . Quite the comeback . Go USA

[berettafan]

I caught some of the Ski Mountaineering and thought that was pretty darned cool. A bit short but understandable given it is the first year.

Continue to find so much joy in seeing the absolute fantastic sportsmanship with so many of these athletes. A real sense of 'we did it!' shines through.

[rfuerst911sc]

There does seem to be a lot of " Olympic spirit " on display . Nice to see .

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

There does seem to be a lot of " Olympic spirit " on display . Nice to see .

^Indeed. Although the Canadian women did not look all that happy about winning the silver medal. I get it. The expectations were very high so it must have stung, but there are 8 other teams that would have loved to win silver.

Todays men's game between Canada and Finland could have an interesting wrinkle. Both refs are Canadian.

[gregpark]

^ those girls were extra bummed because they were 2 minutes from gold. And then to lose in OT? devastating
Not to mention they've lost to the USA the last 8 meetings now

[Scott Douglas]

[rfuerst911sc]

Very proud of the US women's hockey team ! They 100 % earned that gold medal . Gutsy call by the coach to pull the goalie for an extra attacker . The ladies made it happen to tie it up . Then the OT goal to take the gold . They were not going to be denied . True Olympic spirit

[Por_sha911]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

Man oh man freakin' curling is always on. Is it really that popular?

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Por_sha911]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

Remember the opening of Wide World of Sports? The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat showing the jumper wiping out.

The funny thing is that it looked like he would end up in traction but he wasn't even hurt that badly.