Downhill Skiing - Course Setting

[barney15c]

I have been watching the Sochi winter Olympics and was surprised to hear that coaches of competing skiers set the courses. Surely they could set up a course that would benefit their skiers. What checks and balances are put in place so not to give an unfair advantage?

[Buenchico]

The Downhill course is set by an FIS official, as is the Downhill-Combined course.

It's only the Super-G, Giant Slalom and Slalom-Combined courses that are set by representatives of the competing nations.

http://www.teamgb.com/winter-sports/alpine-skiing
(Click 'Rules' and then 'View more")

Whether having courses set by coaches is fair or not probably depends upon who you ask. The Austrians probably aren't complaining!
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/15/us-olympics-alpineskiing-super-course-idUSBREA1E0GE20140215

[barney15c]

Thank you for clarifying what courses are set by whom Buenchico.

[barney15c]

BTW didn't see the story you highlighted.... does make you think, but they still have to ski it so the advantage is probably a moot point.