HTDE: Torches and Ski Jumps

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• Olympic downhill skiers must constantly balance pushing the limit of failure with maintaining control, where a small deviation can lead to a major crash, described as 'burritoing yourself up in the fence.'  Copied to clipboard!
• Olympic gold medalists must carry their medals in carry-on luggage, as the unique shape of the medals consistently triggers security checks.  Copied to clipboard!
• Olympic torchbearers are given their own torch after their run, which is decommissioned and will no longer light, and they are advised to carry it with gratitude, good arm elevation, and, most importantly, try not to fall over.  Copied to clipboard!

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Skiing Downhill Course Experience

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(00:00:24)

• Key Takeaway: Skiing an Olympic downhill course without competition pressure is described as a ‘joy,’ contrasting with the scary appearance when watching racers.
• Summary: Former Olympian Ted Ligety skied the challenging Bormio downhill course after a snowfall, noting it was a joy without the pressure of racing. He observes that for current top athletes, racing is fun, but five years removed, most days look scary. Winning requires pushing close to the limit of failure, where a five-degree difference on a roll can mean victory or a season-ending crash.

Winter Warmth Strategies

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(00:03:32)

• Key Takeaway: Propane heaters were used at the start line to warm stiff plastic ski boots in extreme cold, avoiding melting the plastic.
• Summary: During the unusually cold 2018 Korean Olympics, athletes used propane heaters near the start line to warm their boots, as cold plastic becomes stiff. Battery-powered heated pants were tested but ultimately avoided due to the discomfort of wearing battery packs and copper wiring. Ligety noted that excessive heating of muscles before a race might offer an athletic advantage.

Jet Lag and Ski Jumping

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(00:04:29)

• Key Takeaway: The theory that ski jumpers use mild jet lag to calm nerves and rely on muscle memory was discussed, though Ligety’s experience was mixed.
• Summary: The concept of ski jumpers using jet lag to relax nerves for better performance was raised, though Ligety was unfamiliar with the specific theory. Ligety recounted oversleeping a World Cup race after the 2006 Olympics due to a new room and schedule, yet winning the next day, suggesting rest might have helped. He noted that World Cup races are the same level of competition as the Olympics.

Handling Olympic Medals

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(00:07:06)

• Key Takeaway: Olympic medals must be kept in carry-on luggage, where they are frequently pulled out by security due to their appearance on X-rays.
• Summary: Olympic medals are kept in carry-on bags and are consistently flagged by airport security scanners, leading to agents discovering them. Ligety views this as the best scenario, as it allows him to show off the medal when asked by security personnel. He estimates the torch he carried weighed about six pounds.

On-Hill Skier Sounds

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(00:07:50)

• Key Takeaway: Skiers grunt frequently during giant slalom races when things are slightly off, and they may make concerted sound effects to get into rhythm.
• Summary: When giant slalom skiing goes well, skiers do not grunt; grunting occurs when performance is slightly off. Some racers are known as ‘grunts’ because they make concerted sounds every turn, sometimes using sounds to mentally prepare. A ‘backslap’ occurs when the skier’s back slaps the snow after getting unexpected air, potentially leading to a curse.

Carrying the Olympic Torch

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(00:09:22)

• Key Takeaway: Carrying the Olympic torch requires gratitude, good arm elevation, and the critical advice to try hard not to fall over.
• Summary: Sir Patrick Stewart described carrying the torch as thrilling and emotional, noting the extraordinary enthusiasm of the crowds. He trained by power walking and running half a mile before his 400-meter uphill torch segment, which he felt was unfair given his age. The torch weighs about six pounds, and runners must switch hands frequently; the flame is kept alive during breaks using an oil lamp.

Ski Jumper Mental Preparation

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(00:19:16)

• Key Takeaway: Ski jumpers focus on technical adjustments during their short airtime, though very long ski flights allow for intrusive thoughts, like considering reading a book.
• Summary: Kevin Bickner explained that during a typical five-second Olympic jump, his mind focuses only on technical adjustments needed for improvement. During ski flying, where airtime can reach 10 seconds, he experienced an intrusive thought about having enough time to read half a page of a book. Bickner and his family booked travel tickets to Milan before he was officially named to the Olympic team.