Just reckoning back on all the incredible snow sports action from winter 2023/2024 and this incredible feat by Anders Backe came to mind. Back in March, Anders stepped up to the 240 meter Vikersund Hill ski jump and broke the Guinness World Record for fastest speed downhill skiing backwards (aka switch skiing).
To achieve his goal the Norwegian skier started out going forward and threw a high speed 180° off the jump and took the runout switch clocking in at 82.92 mph:
“When you drop in, things are going so fast. You are quickly up to around 100km/h in the in-run, doing the 180 out of the ski jump, and then focusing on stomping the landing and keeping the position and balance all the way down. And also getting ready for the g-force at the bottom!”
Hope Anders is relishing in his accomplishment and having a great summer. Cheers!