Holmenkollen – the mecca of ski jumping
Holmenkollen – the mecca of ski jumping
Everything started in 1892 when the biggest, yearly held skijumping competition took place the first time at the Holmenkollen (which is the name of the mountain the hill is located on) in Oslo. Now 123 years later the hill has rebuilt several times and saw big victories and bitter defeats. Six world championships took place there and it was also the venue for the 1952 Olympic Winter Games.
At the 31st of January 1892 the first hill record was set at the Holmenkollen. Arne Uvsted jumped 21.5m and 12000 viewers came to see this historical event. Compared to today: The current hill record is set at 139m by Andreas Kofler and the arena is able to grasp 50.000 spectators.
After the first competition the hill was rebuilt 18 times. The first tower was set in 1914 and collapsed one day after the competition in 1927. A new 19m high tower was built and the furthest jump on this hill was 48m. For the VI winter games in Oslo 1952 the hill had to be modernised again. A judge tower, a lift and permanent stands, for more or less 120.000 spectators, were added to the venue.
Arnfinn Bergmann could celebrate a home victory in the 1952 winter games.
For the world championships in 1966 and 1982 the hill was rebuilt and extended again. This two world championships were won by two of the best skijumpers in history Bjoern Wirkola and Matti Nykänen. Since 1982 until the world championships in 2011 the hill did not changed at all. Today it is the most modern skijumping facility after the modernisation in preparation of the world championship 2011.
For many jumpers it is a special feeling to win the competition at the Holmenkollen as all big jumpers were able to celebrate a victory there. Simon Ammann, Gregor Schlierenzauer, Jens Weißflog, Sven Hannawald, Noriaki Kasai and Adam Malysz are just some of the Holmenkollen champions who all receive a special honor. Every winner of the Holmenkollen meets the King or Queen of Noway.
Also the first ever big hill competitions for the ladies were held at the Holmenkollen. Norwegian legend Annette Sagen won the COC in March 2010 and Sarah Hendrickson took the victory at the first World Cup competition there.
While visiting Oslo it is always worth to see the Holmenkollen. From the top of the inrun tower you get a really fantastic view over the city and the Oslofjord and the ski museum tells you more about the history of the place.
- by Caro Steinhäuser
