"When I'm at the top (of the ski run)," says Malysz, a wisp of a man at 5-foot-5 (165 cm) and 135 pounds (61 kg). "I just think about what I need to make a good jump. The rest is automatic."

Cruise control? Auto pilot? "The Zone?" Call it what you want, but wherever Malysz's mind was nestled during the 2000-2001 season, it was in a place where no other ski jumper has ever gone.

Sure, Germany's Martin Schmitt won 11 World Cup events in one season -- a feat Malysz matched last year. But he did not do it in the dominating manner Malysz unleashed upon the circuit.

"I've never seen anyone with the kind of positioning he has at takeoff and in the air," said Kari Ylianttila, the head coach of the U.S. team. "His body position in the 'V' is truly remarkable."

Malysz captured the last year's Four Hills Tournament title, becoming the first jumper ever to accumulate more than 1,000 points. He then ran his World Cup winning streak to five before finishing eighth in Hakuba, Japan.

The streak took the sport by surprise. After collecting three World Cup victories early in his career, Malysz started losing, losing and losing. He lost for three straight years while he focused on other areas of his life. He got married and started a family.

But the 2000-2001 season was different thanks to a group of medical researchers from the University of Cracow in his native Poland. They spun a bit of alpine alchemy, transforming Malysz from a habitual loser to the top gun on the World Cup circuit.

"They (the doctors) have done a lot for me," says Malysz through an interpreter. "They have made me into one of the best in the world."

His biomechanics specialist, Professor Jerzy Zoladz, claims the transformation has come about as a result of Malysz's improved ability to harness his power.

"Many train only for speed strength," Zoladz told the FIS. "The real importance lies in knowing how to use one's power in different speeds in the various phases of the jump correctly."

However, when Malysz is pressed to divulge how the transformation took place, he turns stone cold.

"It's a secret," he says with a wry smile.

<< 20 Jan 2001: Adam Malysz of Poland in action before winning the Ski Jumping Individual K120 at the FIS World Cup Ski Jumping Competition at Utah Olympic Park in Park City, Utah. (Photo: Craig Jones/Allsport)