EXPLAINER: Olympic ski jumpers count on technique and timing

By LARRY LAGE
AP Sports Writer

ZHANGJIAKOU, China (AP) — Ski jumping captivates viewers every four years, when athletes fearlessly fly the length of an American football field plus the end zones. Casual fans probably have no clue about the scoring system or skills and techniques necessary to win gold even though the sport has been a part of the Winter Olympics since the first one in 1924. In the U.S. most people can’t probably name a ski jumper other than “Eddie the Eagle,” from the 2016 film about Eddie Edwards’ unlikely bid to become a British Olympian. The Associated Press is here to help.