Jan Boklöv introduced the V-style ski-jumping technique in international competition.
The Swedish jumper began using the technique in the 1980s, spreading his skis into a V shape during flight instead of keeping them parallel. Although judges initially marked down his style, the position produced greater aerodynamic lift and eventually became standard.
Boklöv won the 1988–89 Ski Jumping World Cup overall title. The technique was later refined by many jumpers, and parallel skis became unusual in elite competition.
The V-style is not simply a visual flourish. By increasing the effective surface area of the skis and improving airflow, it can generate more lift. Modern scoring rules still include style points, but aerodynamic performance is central to the technique’s success.