1.
LV PAN Skier down slope in European Cup Hot-dog Ski-ing Championships
0.08

2.
SV Another competitor down slope and falling
0.11

3.
CU Spectators
0.15

4.
CU (SLOW MOTION) Competitor down slope
0.35

5.
LV PAN Two more competitors down slope (2 shots)
0.53

6.
SV PAN Two more competitors down slope (2 shots)
1.09

7.
CU (SLOW MOTION) Two more competitors down slope (2 shots)
1.46

8.
SV & SV PAN Spectators watch as another competitor negotiated the slope (2 shots)
1.55



Initials BB/1600


SPORT: FREESTYLE SKI-ING

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: INTRODUCTION: They take it seriously in the United States----but in Europe a new form of ski competition known as "hot-dogging" -- freestyle--is in its infancy----and for the most part competitors in the Cup Championships at Kranjska Gora, Yugoslavia were more concerned with staying upright than with producing an artistic impression.

SYNOPSIS: This, believe it or not, is supposed to be artistic skiing.

But these European freestylers still look more like burlesque performers than ballet dancers.

Keeping your feet on the ground on a fast downhill slope with lots of bumps requires plenty of practice in itself. It European hot-doggers are ever to take on their transatlantic counterparts on equal terms, combining speed and skill with artistry, they still have some hard work ahead of them.

The judges in this branch of freestyle ski-ing -- also known as mogul -- look for the competitor who stays closest to the fall line of the slope, takes the bumps as they come r at her than picking an easy route, is very fast and who does not hesitate to leap into the air two or three times. Never appearing to be out of control is an important factor too -- but marks are not given for comic effects.

Here it is in slow motion, proving without doubt that ski-ing is not as easy as it looks and that a fast slope is challenge enough in itself for all but the most experienced -- even without attempting any somersaults.

This event was won by Inge Steiner of Austria for the women and Nano Pourtier of France for the men -- star actors in a sporting comedy of errors.