[Photo: Colorsport] At the Albertville Olympics, Michel Pruefer established a new world record with a speed of 229.29kph on the Les Arcs track.

Speed skiing, also known as the Flying Kilometre or the White Fear, consists of a straight tuck down a dizzyingly steep slope. The skier achieving the fastest speed across a designated timing area is the winner. The skill lies in maintaining the most aerodynamic position and allowing the skis to slide optimally at speeds that can exceed 130mph.

Skis are long, around 2m40, with little or no sidecut. All equipment is appropriately aerodynamic, and this is definitely the sport for you if you fancy stuffing bits of polystyrene down your favourite rubber suit.