who invented ski jumping

Ski jumping was not “invented” by a single person, but two early Norwegians are usually highlighted: Olaf (Ole) Rye as the first known ski jumper, and Sondre Norheim as the father of modern ski jumping.

Quick Scoop

• In 1808–1809, Norwegian army officer Olaf (Ole) Rye made a 9.5 m jump on skis in front of soldiers, often cited as the first recorded ski jump.

• Sondre Norheim from Telemark, Norway, is widely regarded as the pioneer who turned this stunt into a sport and modernized technique and equipment.

• The first major competition with prizes was held in 1866 at Høydalsmo (Ofte), Norway, and was won by Sondre Norheim.

So, if you’re asking “who invented ski jumping?”:

• First known jumper: Olaf (Ole) Rye – earliest documented jump.

• Founder of the sport / modern style: Sondre Norheim – credited as the father of modern ski jumping.

In short, no single formal “inventor,” but these two Norwegians are the key figures at the origin of ski jumping as we know it today.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.