Snap Decision

Standing at the top of a West Berlin ski slide last week, Skier Heinz Mannstedt made a snap decision: instead of going all the way back down the hill to get proper straps for his borrowed skis, he would take a chance on the makeshift harness he was wearing. Thus decided, Heinz took off--and a moment later, as he and his skis parted company, gave photographers one of the most arresting skiing photographs in a long time (see cut).

Skier Mannstedt picked himself up a long way down the slope, resolutely tried again -- this time with the proper bindings.

His next two jumps were more orthodox, and he went home with two mementos: third prize in his class and a slightly sore back.

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