Did Ancient Olympians Jump from Heights with Weights?

[jinxy]

I have a theory it states that temples where constructed using a series’ of ramps and platforms between each temple column . Eventually creating a total square platform for the next layer of temple drums to be rolled into position . As the temple got higher the builder would jump from the platform to the ground , rather than laboriously trekking round the perimeter to the staring ramp . The ability to jump from ever increasing heights would be an advantage . Jumps in the early Olympic games were done with the contestant carrying a five pound weight in each hand ( halters ) . There are recorded 50 foot jumps in the early Olympics dismissed by historians as exaggeration , compared to just over 29 feet in our modern Olympics. Legend has it that one Olympian cleared the entire pit by approximately 5 feet, breaking both legs as he landed. In my opinion the original Olympic jump was from a height . The athletes jumped from a platform of ever increasing heights , and used the jumping stones as kinetic breaks. They held them above there head and a the last second swung them to the ground . Theory of relativity states for ever action there is an equal and opposite reaction
( did this action slowed the body down). is this how they achieved height and distance jumps of 30 to 50 feet ,a combination of the two . Could halters or jumping stones literally mean to halt air? to slow the air passing the falling jumper?? so the question ? could a person weighing say 10 stone jumping from a height of 30 feet with two 5 lb weights in each hand and swinging them to the ground as described above have any beneficial effect to the landing ? could anyone give me the equation .

 

[Locrian]

Firstly, the theory of relativity does not state that for every action there is a reaction, that would be Newton's Laws.

As for your question... you've added a couple of variables. Pulling the weights down as you near landing will make very, very little difference. However, jumping off a tall object instead of ground level will allow you to jump much farther, with or without weights. Remember, your drop to the ground vs distance is going to be parabolic. The higher you start from, the farther you'd go.

I have a hard time believing the Greeks left out that little detail about jumping from a height, considering how important this was to them.

 

[HallsofIvy]

Do you have any reason for thinking that they jumped from a height?

I recently heard the speculation that jumpers would throw the weights behind them at the peak of their jump, thus gaining some forward momentum.