Did This Snowboarding Trick Just Break the Laws of Physics at the Olympics?

Snowboarding is one of the most exciting and adrenaline-packed winter sports around. It involves shredding down snow-covered mountains, performing stunts, jumps and tricks along the way while flying through the air. Recently, a snowboarding trick that was performed at the Olympics has everyone scratching their heads and wondering if it just broke the laws of physics. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the trick, discuss the science behind it and determine if it really did shatter the laws of physics.

The Snowboarding Trick That Shocked The World

The snowboarding trick in question is called a switch backside triple cork 1620. In layman’s terms, it is a trick where the snowboarder approaches a jump using their less comfortable foot forward, spins off the toe edge of the board three times while flipping in the opposite direction, and lands backwards. This trick was initially performed by a snowboarder named Max Parrot at the big air event of the 2018 Winter Olympics held in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Many snowboarding enthusiasts were amazed and stupefied by the trick. Some of them couldn’t believe what they had just seen. The trick was certainly groundbreaking, and it was clear that it was difficult to perform. This spectacle had many viewers wondering, “How did he manage to do it?” and “Did that trick break the laws of physics?” Let’s find out.

The Science Behind the Trick

First, we need to understand the physics behind the trick. Snowboarding, just like any other sport, requires certain fundamental principles of physics. One of the essential ones in snowboarding is momentum conservation. Momentum is a product of mass and velocity and is a concept that describes how much motion an object has. In snowboarding, momentum plays a huge part in the execution of jumps, stunts, and tricks. The laws of physics are never violated in the process of snowboarding; instead, they’re utilized in ways that defy imagination.

The Triple corked 1620 trick involves understanding the concept of air time, which is the duration of time a rider is airborne. The snowboarder has to reach a certain speed while approaching the jump, use the body’s inertia to create a rotational force, kick-off the toes on one foot, and rotate three times in the opposite direction. The speed, height, and direction at which the snowboarder leaves the jump are crucial materials that determine if the stunt will be successful or not.

When attempting this trick, snowboarders lift off the jump and do a “corkscrew” in the air. The cork is the snowboarder’s body position and rotation around the axis, which is roughly an imaginary line running through the middle of the snowboard. When performing a regular backside triple cork, the snowboarder lifts off the jump and uses the backside edge to initiate the rotation, rotating three times while simultaneously executing a backflip position. In contrast, in the switch backside triple cork, the snowboarder starts by approaching the jump with their less comfortable foot forward and then executes a backside spin but in the opposite direction. This trick requires more accuracy and balance and demands more practice than a backside triple cork.

Did the Trick Break the Laws of Physics?

After hours of scrutiny of footage taken from various angles, it was determined that the trick did not break the laws of physics. The Triple corked 1620 trick was the biggest and most challenging stunt performed by Parrot as it was executed using his unnatural or switch stance position, meaning he performed the trick with his less comfortable foot forward.

The switch backside triple cork 1620 was a historic trick as it was the first time it was executed in Olympic history. With this stunt, Parrot created momentum that allowed him to spin three times while flipping in the opposite direction and land on his board backwards. Once landed, he had to shift his body to his natural or regular stance position so that he could continue his descent down the slope.

Most tricks in snowboarding require snowboarders to spend as much time in the air as possible, which is why it’s fascinating to watch them perform. The time they spend mid-air allows them to execute stunts and perform rotations that seem to defy gravity. However, these tricks still follow the laws of physics, meaning they are physically possible, although not always easy. The switch backside triple cork 1620, like all other snowboarding stunts, is an example of how these principles can be used to achieve fantastic feats.

The Debate Continues

Despite the science behind the switch backside triple cork 1620, there is still a debate among some snowboarding enthusiasts about whether this stunt genuinely broke the laws of physics. Critics of the trick argue that it defies the laws of physics because of the element of risk involved. They believe that the transfer of momentum from the jump to the snowboarder’s body is not enough to complete the stunt without putting the rider’s life at risk. In contrast, proponents of the trick argue that the momentum of the snowy ramp allows for the stunt to happen, and proper execution need not put the rider’s life in any significant danger. This debate over whether the stunt was legitimately broken down by the laws of physics is likely to continue.

The Way Forward

In conclusion, snowboarding stunts and tricks are examples of how athletes have managed to use scientific principles to achieve awe-inspiring feats. The Triple corked 1620 trick recently performed at the Olympics was not the first mind-blowing stunt, nor will it be the last. The switch backside triple cork 1620 was a historic achievement, and the science behind it accurately explains how it was done without breaking any laws of physics. As snowboarding evolves, we can expect more jaw-dropping stunts from the athletes of this incredible sport.

FAQs

Q: Is the switch backside triple cork 1620 a dangerous stunt in snowboarding?

A: Yes, the switch backside triple cork 1620 is a potentially dangerous trick in snowboarding. However, as with any sport, athletes take precautions and undergo rigorous training before attempting the stunt to minimize the risk of injury or death.

Q: Is the Triple corked 1620 trick new?

A: No, the triple corked 1620 trick is not new. Snowboarders and skiers have been performing various corked tricks for some years now, but the switch backside triple cork 1620 was a recent addition.

Q: Do snowboarders have to take into consideration the laws of physics when performing stunts?

A: Absolutely. Snowboarding involves a lot of physics principles like momentum, velocity, and force. The laws of physics are always followed, but the tricks and stunts might seem to defy them due to their complexity and the athletes’ skill level.

Image Credit: Pexels

“Did this snowboarding trick just break the laws of physics at the Olympics?”