How Far Can They Jump?

Well, are they jumping or are they flying?

As the Reindeer Games head into its second event – the Long Jump – that question was asked by one of the many young fans of the games.

Surely, as we know, the reindeer’s talents amaze and confound everyone. They can run fast and jump high and move with the utmost grace and precision. And, yes, when Christmas Eve comes, they will fly Santa’s sleigh all over the world to deliver joy to so many children (well, if we can find Santa, that is).

Anyway, if they can fly all over the world, how do we know they’re just jumping right here in our Long Jump event.

“That’s where I come in,” said Manny Elf. “I look after all the Official Elves, you know, the elves that make sure that the reindeer follow all the rules for the games. We do have strict rules for the Games. The reindeer are not supposed to use their flying powers in the games, and the Official Elves look closely to make sure they don’t.”

Not that the reindeer would ever cheat. Oh no, they’re much to honorable and good for that.

“But every deer gets excited when they are competing for a gold medal,” noted Manny. “And so sometimes they forget they’re not supposed to fly, you know. So we keep an eye on them.”

And even without the flying, the reindeer can jump pretty far. Usually about 24 or 25 miles!

And so the first round begins with Vixen, Cupid, Dasher, Donder, Dancer, Comet, Prancer and Blitzen heading out to the competition area for the first jump.

And all eight put on a great show, all going more than 24 miles on their first jump. But it looks like Cupid, Vixen, Donder and Prancer have gone the farthest on the first day. And so they will return tomorrow for the final round of the High Jump.

Check back tomorrow to see who wins the second gold medal of the games! And after our High Jump, the Great Eight will compete in the Sprint Race, Around The World Marathon, Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Obstacle Course and the 2222 Mile Marathon.