The Axel jump is a figure skating jump that is known for its unique takeoff. It is the only jump that begins with a forward motion, where the skater takes off from the outside edge of one skate. The jump is typically performed with one and a half to three and a half rotations in the air before landing on the opposite foot. Named after the Norwegian skater Axel Paulsen, who first executed it in the late 19th century, the Axel jump is considered one of the more difficult jumps in figure skating. Its complexity lies in the combination of the forward takeoff and the required rotations, making it a key element in competitive routines.