Downhill

Downhill is an alpine skiing discipline. Unlike the other alpine skiing events, slalom, giant slalom, super giant slalom, and combined, which emphasize turning and technique, downhill is more about speed. Speeds of up to 130 km/h (81 mph) are common in international competition. Athletes must have an aerodynamically efficient tuck position to minimize drag and increase speed.

The term downhill skiing is also used as a synonym for alpine skiing, both for the FIS sport and the recreational activity.

History

The rules for the Downhill were originally developed by Sir Arnold Lunn for the 1921 British National Ski Championships. The 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) barrier was broken by Johan Clarey at the 2013 Lauberhorn World Cup, beating previous record of 98 mph, set by Italian Stefan Thanei in 2005.

Course

A typical course begins at or near the top of the mountain on a piste that is closed off to the public and groomed for the race. Gates are farther apart. The courses in the world's most notable ski areas are well-established and do not change significantly year to year.

Downhill (1927 film)

Downhill is a 1927 British silent drama film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring Ivor Novello, Robin Irvine, and Isabel Jeans, and based on the play Down Hill by Novello and Constance Collier. The film was made by Gainsborough Pictures at their Islington studios. The film is Hitchcock's fifth film as director. The American alternative title for this film was When Boys Leave Home.

Plot

At an expensive English boarding school for boys, Roddy Berwick (Ivor Novello) is School Captain and star rugby player. He and his best friend Tim (Robin Irvine) start seeing a waitress Mabel (Annette Benson). Out of pique, she tells the headmaster that she is pregnant and that Roddy is the father. In fact it was Tim, who cannot afford to be expelled because he needs to win a scholarship to attend Oxford University. Promising Tim that he will never reveal the truth, Roddy accepts expulsion.

Returning to his parents’ home, he finds that his father (Norman McKinnel) believes him guilty of the false accusation.

Downhill (2014 film)

Downhill is a British comedy film directed by James Rouse and written by Torben Betts about four old friends who reunite to walk the coast. It stars Richard Lumsden, Karl Theobald, Jeremy Swift and Ned Dennehy. It was produced by Benji Howell and is noted for its "innovative" release strategy

Plot

At his kitchen table, in front of his teenage son Luke (Rupert Simonian) and his hand-held camera, Gordon (Richard Lumsden) explains the mission – to walk Alfred Wainwright’s epic Coast-to-Coast – starting at St Bees and a mere 192 miles later finishing up at Robin Hood’s Bay. As he discusses the gruelling hike he is about to attempt, his wife jests that it’s, “just an excuse for a massive piss up!”

After consulting his maps, Gordon rounds up the mismatched troop. A team which consists of best friend Keith (Karl Theobald), who hopes this trail of discovery can help him alleviate his burdened mind, and old school friends Steve (Jeremy Swift), a physically under-prepared school teacher, and Julian (Ned Dennehy), the troublesome and troubled wild card.