Innsbruck Olympics in 1976 was the breakthrough of the Exel racing poles. Forty Olympic medals were won with them, which was 80 % of all skiing medals awarded. The great success was possible because of the world's first carbon fibre epoxy pole, Grafil Champion. The pole was a third lighter than other poles, but also the structure of the basket and its operation principle were something completely new. Leskinen’s unsymmetrical butterfly wing basket was completely different from the traditional, rounder basket. The innovative wing basket was patented, and several versions were developed during the years. The picture shows butterfly wing baskets.