One of the major sporting categories in any Olympic winter games is the Alpine Skiing. As is the case for many followers, the numerous events within that one category can be quite confusing. While some athletes compete in just one event, others compete in two or more.
Downhill
Each skier in the downhill is required to take one run down a single course. The fastest time determines the winner. This event possesses the longest course and the highest speeds in alpine skiing.
Slalom
Rather than a solitary run as occurs in the downhill, each skier in the slalom is required to take two runs down two different courses on the same slope. Both runs take place on the same day with the times added together to determine the winner. Needless to mention, the fastest total time determines the winner. Slalom features the shortest course and the quickest turns. Also unlike the downhill, skiers in the slalom are required to zigzag between obstacles (or gates) strategically placed on the course.
Giant Slalom
Quite similar to the slalom event, the giant slalom consists of fewer, wider, and smoother turns. The obstacles on the course are spaced much further apart than those utilized in the slalom. Once again each skier makes two runs down two different courses on the same slope. Typically the first run will be held in the morning and the second in the afternoon of the same day. The times for both runs are then combined with the fastest total time determining the winner.
Super-G
Short for super giant slalom, the super-g event combines the speed of downhill with the precise turns of giant slalom. The course is shorter than downhill but longer than the giant slalom. In the super-g, the gates are placed still further apart than those in both the slalom and giant slalom. Each skier makes one run down a single course with the fastest time determining the winner.
Super Combined
This event consists of one downhill run followed by one slalom run with the slalom using a shorter course. Both times are added together and, as with all of the other alpine events, the fastest total time determines the winner.
Following that explanation it is worthwhile to point out thatbecause of the length of the course and the speeds reached, that the downhill event is also the most dangerous. While accidents have occurred in each of the five alpine events, so far in the 2010 games, audiences have witnessed the greatest number and the most devastating accidents in both the men’s and women’s downhill events.
For more information on alpine skiing along with any and all other Olympic events visit www.vancouver2010.com.
Brandy Robertson - Brandy Robertson writes on a wide range of subjects including literature, religion, film and popular culture.
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