PARK CITY, Utah (Aug. 3) - Fresh off a pair of top FIS Cup finishes in Europe, St. Paul Ski Club jumper Christian Friberg (St. Paul, MN) picked up his first U.S. title Sunday in the large hill event at the U.S. Ski Jumping Championships at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City. Olympian Jessica Jerome (Park City, UT) won her 11th U.S. crown.
It's definitely cool - kind of an adrenaline rush. This is a big step forward. Things have been progressing well this summer. It's a good steppingstone for the future. - U.S. Champion Christian Friberg
HIGHLIGHTS
- Christian Friberg's win came on the heels of a pair of strong finishes in FIS Cup events in Villach, Austria earlier in July including a top 10.
- Friberg soared 130.0 meters on his first ride to take a commanding lead over Olympian Nick Alexander.
- The 19 year old is a three-time World Junior Team member.
- Jessica Jerome went 121.5 and 122.5 meters to take her 11th U.S. title.
- World Champions Sarah Hendrickson and Lindsey Van were both sidelined with injuries.
- The normal hill U.S. Championship will be held in October during the Flaming Leaves tournament in Lake Placid, NY.
Medalists
Men
1 - Christian Friberg (St. Paul, MN)
2 - Nick Alexander (Lebanon, NH)
3 - Kevin Bickner (Wauconda, IL)
NOTE: Canadian Matt Rowley jumped to second, but only Americans are eligible for U.S. Championships results.
Women
1 - Jessica Jerome (Park City, UT)
2 - Nita Englund (Steamboat Springs, CO)
3 - Tara Gereghaty-Moats (Fairlee, VT)
QUOTES
Christian Friberg, men's champion
It's definitely cool - kind of an adrenaline rush. This is a big step forward. Things have been progressing well this summer. It's a good steppingstone for the future. In a couple weeks we're heading back to Slovenia to train in Kranj and some Continental Cups.
Jessica Jerome, women's champion
It was a great competition today. I wish more of my teammates were here and not injured - I like competing against them and we push each other.
It was nice to see some of the younger development girls step up and have good runs. Nationals is always timed right for me as I start to get a good rhythm this time of the summer. Now it will be interesting to see how I stack up internationally.
Results (NOTE: Canadian Matt Rowley jumped to second, but only Americans are eligible for U.S. Championships results.)
Men's U.S. Championship
Women's U.S. Championship
