By Fred Minnich (Fredminnich) on Sunday, December 28, 2008 - 10:29 pm:
It is funny to read about peoples' concern for broken bones. Ski jumping is relatively safe. The contour of the hill results in a safe tumble or roll to a stop, packing the hill so it is hard keeps a skier from digging in and stopping abruptly during a fall, and the bindings allow for a safe release of the skis during a fall. Lastly, the helmet and ski suit provide protection. Forget about the "Agony of Defeat" video on "Wide World of Sports" years ago. That crash looked awful but even that skier from the former Yugoslavia was not hurt badly.
The kids love to fly through the air. The biggest obstacle is getting up enough nerve to try it. They must start at a young enough age (preferably 5) before the fear part of the brain develops.
Fred Minnich