Skicross sees the world of the terrain park infused with downhill racing, in what many fans regard as one of the most entertaining sports of the Winter Olympics. Skicross was created by Jim “Too Tall” Essick, who combined sports such as Motocross and NASCAR into the world of ski racing.
The sport was introduced into the Winter Olympics circuit at the 2010 Winter Olympics in British Columbia.
The rules are simple. Manoeuvre yourself down a race track dotted with jumps as fast as you can. Each round consists of four competitors, with the top two advancing into the next stage, in what is essentially a knock-out tournament. Before the knock-out tournament there is a time trial for the 32 skiers, which determines which heat they will race in and which lane they will be placed in.
The race combines elements of both freestyle and racing, and is also known for the close proximity and even contact between the four racers. Any intentional contact is banned however, but that doesn’t stop collisions from regularly occurring. As well as large jumps, the race course also features sharp corners, which the skiers must navigate themselves around.
British skier Emily Sarsfield was unlucky to miss out on the games, as she finished two places outside the top 32, even though injuries will mean that not all of those athletes will compete.
At the 2010 Vancouver games, Michael Schmid claimed the gold medal for Switzerland in the men’s competition. While Ashleigh McIvor won gold for Canada in the women’s event.
The men’s Skicross will take place on Thursday 20 February, and the women’s event on Friday 21 February.
