The sport called speed skiing occurs as a downhill run in a straight line at as high a speed as possible over a fixed stretch of ski slope. There are two types of contests: breaking an existing speed record or having the fastest run at a given competition. Speed skiers regularly exceed 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph).

The sport is practiced on steep, specially designed courses that are 1 kilometer (0.62 mi) in length. Approximately 30 of these designed courses exist worldwide, many at high latitudes to minimize air resistance.

One of the earliest reported speed skiing records, was by the American Tommy Todd, who reported a speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) back in 1898. When official records were established in 1932, a run by the Austrian Leo Gasperi was recorded at 143 km/h (89 mph).

As of 2021, the record set in 2016 under FSV (France Ski de Vitesse) rules at Vars, France is still the record for the fastest speed skiing. It occurred on March 26th, achieved by the 28-year-old Italian, Ivan Origone (born, November 8, 1979). His recorded speed was 254.958 km/h (158.424 mph).

“It’s the first time I’ve gone (that) fast. I was so keen to do what I’ve done. This record is the proof that if I’m on a good piste (marked ski run), where I can brake safely, I can cope with any angle and not have any fear".

Origone started skiing at the early age of 3 with his father who was an alpine skiing instructor.

More Info: en.m.wikipedia.org