Abstract des Autors

The history of women’s ski jumping reflects a story full of successes and setbacks for this sport. It is a story that dates back to the 19th century, full of excitements and emotions. It also is a story that exemplifies the fact that gender discrimination in sport is still an issue in western countries in the 21st century – a time in which it is assumed that women can participate in any sport. And it is a story that shows that athletes have the courage not only to compete against each other, but to fight together for the acceptance of their sport. The leading questions are: Why do women have to struggle so much to get acknowledged in ski jumping? Why are they constantly confronted with new barriers – especially when it comes to competitions on an international level, or to ski flying? Before I will deal with reconstructing the women ski jumpers’ efforts to be introduced in the Olympics more closely, I want to give an outline of how this sport developed. In doing so, I want to relate to some of the athletes in order to give an impression of what kind women these early ski jumpers were. (geändert)