Ski jumping could be called the soccer of winter sports for most Americans each jumper are based on a formula for distance and "style points" award by judges evaluating a jumpers form and landing.
OLYMPIC OVERVIEW
The Norwegians all but took up residence on the medal podium during the early Games, capturing 14 of the first 18 Olympic medals.
Since then, they've been largely squeezed out by a consortium of Finns, Germans and Austrians. Japan has also developed into an Olympic power in recent decades in both individual and team competitions.
An American is yet to enjoy a podium post. Few expect that to change in 2002.
EVENT DESCRIPTIONS
Ski jumping, like Nordic combined, is a man's world. There is no women's competition, although country's are developing young women among their jumping ranks.
Olympic competitions include a 120m hill individual competition, a 120m team event and a 90m individual event.
