The University R.J. Mitchell wind tunnel will feature in Channel 4’s new series The Jump, which starts on Sunday 26 January at 8pm.
The wind tunnel was used to put the 12 competitors, including Olympic rowing champion Sir Steve Redgrave, TV celebrities Anthea Turner, Amy Childs and Melinda Messenger, and pop stars Sinitta and Kimberly Wyatt (formerly of the Pussycat Dolls), through their paces as they compete in some of the most thrilling winter sports including Skeleton, Bobsleigh, Speed Skating, Ski Cross and Slalom.
The wind tunnel was set up with skis and live drag readings were projected onto the floor in front of each competitor, giving them input into how they were doing and what position to try.
Winter Olympic Skeleton gold medallist Amy Williams, who used the R. J. Mitchell wind tunnel in preparation for her Olympic success, is one of the coaches who will work with the competitors to prepare them for the challenge.
The Jump will be presented by Davina McCall and Alex Brooker. Davina said: “Skiing is tough enough to learn as it is, so what these guys are taking on is really impressive – it’s shaping up to be butt-clenchingly exciting!”
Watch clips for The Jump on the Channel 4’s YouTube page – http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBKfErliSueNFS_XNXvs_uxhw98c_MAjC