Italian Speed Skier breaks world record

Simone Origone clocks 252.454 km per hour, beats own mark

(ANSA) - Aosta, March 31 - Italian skier Simone Origone has set a new world record in speed skiing, blazing down a France course at Vars at 252.454 km per hour.

Aosta Valley naitve Origone beat his own former record of record of 251.400 km per hour set in 2006. The ski instructor and mountain guide also boasts eight World Cups and five world championship wins in speed skiing.

Speed skiers are considered some of the most fearless skiers in the world, but the event is not recognized by the International Olympic Committee, perhaps due to the dangerous nature of the sport.