About GrafixMat Coasters
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Front
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Back Story
About GrafixMat Coasters:
Each GrafixMat® is a work of art, masterfully laser-engraved on the cork front with a unique and amusing story colorfully illustrated on its flip-side. For a treasured gift or your own personal collection; select one or create a set of 2, 4, 6 or more from 21 themed Collections totaling more than 500 contemporary and fine art designs. Made from eco-friendly recycled cork from Portugal and Spain, yet handcrafted in the U.S.A. GrafixMats® are so artfully designed and intriguing, we've created a hanging hole in the back of each coaster.
All Natural • Durable • Easy Wash • Singles or Sets • Storage Caddies • 4 1/4" Diameter, 5/16" Thick • Green Certified
Front Design:
Downhill Skier
The Back Story:
Downhill Early Racing
Downhill skiing grew from cross-country skiing in the early 1700s and became an official Olympic event in 1948. The first recorded downhill skiing race took place in 1879 in Sweden, yet downhill competitions took place as early as 1861 in La Porte, California. Participants such as Jimmy "Snowshoe" Thompson competed in these early races.
During the 1860s downhill racing skis were called snowshoes and ranged from 10 feet to 25 feet in length. Records list Frank Woodward as having made a straight downhill run, known as a "schuss", covering 1,950 feet in 17 seconds. Tommy Tood reached speeds approaching 90 miles an hour when he schussed 1,804 feet in 14 seconds.