Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Little Known Facts About The Winter Olympics

I've been watching the winter Olympics, as my time allows, and recently read some interesting facts that I wanted to share with you.
  • Doing a backflip in a figure skating routine is considered an "illegal figure skating move" by the International Skating Union. The reason is because the landing is made on two feet instead of one and is not a "real jump."
  • It's completely legal to kick the puck in Olympic hockey games. However, if the player is kicking it towards the goal, the puck must come in contact with an attacking player's stick before going into the goal.
  • Skeleton is where athletes hurl themselves head-first down an icy runway. This sport mandates that while athletes must cross the finish line on their sled, they are allowed to leave their sled earlier in the run to push or move it, if necessary.
  • If you're a bobsledder, the maximum weight for the sled including the crew, runners, and other equipment is 860 pounds for a 2-man bobsled; 1,389 pounds for a 4-man bobsled; and, 717 pounds for women's bobsled.
  • Unlike NHL games, the Olympics rarely see fights break out on the ice. The New York Times reports that there have only been eight Olympic hockey fights since 1960. But, if there is a fight, it's better to be the one swinging second, as a player who retaliates (instead of instigating) will only get put in the penalty box for 2 minutes.
  • Ski jumpers are brave to fly through the air off a giant ramp. However, the rules say that when they land they are not allowed to touch the ground with their hands, even for a second! If they do, the jump doesn’t count.
  • Curling involves stones, ice, shouting and sweeping with brooms. If, for some reason, the stone was to break while being played, there’s a rule called the “Spirit of Curling” to decide where the replacement stone should be put. If the teams can’t agree on where to put it, the play starts again.

From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),

Paul J. Staso
_______________________________________

Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos: