Anders Backe, a 37-year-old professional skier from Norway, made headlines last week as his switch speed skiing world record was officially recognized by Guinness World Records. Backe achieved a remarkable speed of 82.9 mph (133.46 km/h), narrowly surpassing Elias Ambühl’s previous record of 81.3 mph (131.2 km/h).
The record-setting attempt took place at Vikersund Hill, a renowned ski jumping course located in Vikersund, Norway. Standing over 700 feet tall, Vikersund Hill is the largest ski jumping course in the world and provided the perfect setting for Backe’s historic achievement.
Backe’s journey to breaking the world record began in 2012 when he set the world’s first switch skiing record at a speed of 79.9 mph, just nine months after undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery. Like his recent attempt, the 2012 record was also set at Vikersund Hill, albeit with a different approach.
For Backe, the 2012 record marked a post-injury comeback, but it was Ambühl who surpassed his record in 2016. However, in 2024, Backe reclaimed the title, pushing the limits of what was possible and adding an extra challenge by incorporating a 180-degree turn into his run.
Reflecting on his record-breaking run, Backe emphasized the difficulty of maintaining control and balance while skiing backwards at high speeds. He described the intense concentration required to execute the 180-degree turn flawlessly and emphasized the importance of staying focused to avoid losing balance or control.
Training for such a niche feat posed its own challenges, as few ski areas offer steep, straight pistes suitable for skiing backwards. Nevertheless, as a professional freeskier with extensive experience in switch skiing, Backe’s training regimen focused on maximizing time on the slopes and maintaining a high level of skill and confidence.
Backe’s professional skiing career dates back to 2006, during which he has competed as an X-Games finalist and appeared in numerous ski films produced by renowned companies such as Field Productions, Poor Boyz Productions, and Level 1. Interestingly, Backe’s skiing journey began in ski jumping before transitioning to freestyle skiing at the age of 16.
As Backe continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of skiing, his latest achievement stands as a testament to his skill, determination, and passion for the sport.
