Science of the Winter Olympics - Ski Jumping

The video explores Nordic combined, focusing on ski jumping and the physics behind it. US athletes Todd Ludwick and Bill Demong, along with physicist George Tuthill, explain the forces of gravity, drag, and lift involved in ski jumping. The importance of flexibility and body control is highlighted, especially for Todd Lodwick's Olympic preparation. Techniques to minimize drag and maximize lift are discussed, including the revolutionary V formation, which significantly increases lift. The video concludes with the evolution of ski jumping techniques and their impact on performance.

What are the two main components of the Nordic combined sport?

How does Todd Lodwick describe the importance of body position in ski jumping?

What are the two contradictory missions a ski jumper has during a jump?

Explain how the V formation in ski jumping affects lift.

What was the initial reaction of Olympic judges to the V formation in ski jumping?