VAIL, Colo.-
Erich Windisch, the ski jumper credited with discovering the arms-down style that is standard today, has died after battling cancer. He was 89.
Windisch died Feb. 14 at Vail Valley Medical Center.
Windisch, born in Schoneck, Germany, accidentally discovered the arms-down style after dislocating his shoulder in 1949 at a competition in Germany. The injury kept him from jumping with his arms in front of him, as was the common style then.
Other ski jumpers noted his style was more aerodynamic and began copying him.
He was a member of the German ski team and later taught skiing in Colorado and New Mexico. The Colorado Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame member taught skiing at Vail for 39 years, up until November.
He had one home in Vail and two in Dillon.
He also enjoyed painting.
Survivors include wife Elena and 19-year-old daughter Sasha.
Last month, about 150 skiers carrying torches snaked down Vail Mountain in a nighttime memorial service for Windisch.
