Sarah Hendrickson of the U.S. Visa Women’s Ski Jumping Team took second place on Friday, March 13, at the final World Cup competition of the 2015 season. With jumps of 126.5 and 128.5 meters in the two rounds of competition on the Large Hill, Hendrickson scored an impressive 257.1 points. Rival Sara Takanashi of Japan won the competition with jumps of 128.0 and 127.0 meters and 263.8 points. Canadian Taylor Henrich rounded out the podium in third place.
“I am obviously very happy with my result today,” said Hendrickson. “After my strong training in Planica this past week I was really confident going into this comp. I woke up Friday morning with low energy, which was frustrating, but I knew I had to push through. After horrible training jumps in the morning, I had to take a step back and really dig deep for the night comp. My first jump was mediocre, but my last was one of the best I’ve had. I’m a little upset with my landings, but I guess that comes from having had few jumps on a large hill. It’s an amazing experience to jump here and I’m hoping we have more large hills in the future because I know we are ready.
“For those who watched, all the girls wore red arm bands in honor of Deedee [Corradini]. Her favorite color was red and we wanted to show our appreciation towards her and her efforts to get women’s ski jumping to where is it today. She will be greatly missed and has taught all of us women to fight for what’s right.”
U.S. Visa Women’s Ski Jumping teammate Jessica Jerome placed 11th in the competition, soaring 120.5 and 116.0 meters in her two jumps and scoring 220.5 points. Nita Englund placed 23rd with jumps of 108.0 and 108.5 meters and 178.9 points. Tara Geraghty-Moats placed 28th with jumps of 103.0 and 104.0 meters and 165.3 points.
“Jumping the big hill for the final event is always fun,” commented Jerome. “We had great conditions and beautiful weather. I had one good jump, but my second one wasn’t what I am capable of. Personally, I had a pretty mediocre season, but my jumps got better toward the end, so I guess I’m happy with finishing on a higher note.”
“I am very pleased with this 2014-15 season,” said Head Coach Alan Alborn. “We have had some significant and positive changes to staff, as well as to the team roster due to post-Olympic restructuring. Our World Cup team, which was made up of veterans and rookies alike, proved capable of meeting the demands by securing four spots in the top 30 of the World Cup overall. This was not an easy task for newcomers Nita Englund and Tara Geraghty-Moats. Sarah Hendrickson has regained her confidence and her love of the sport after many ups and downs. She stepped on the podium three times with her best being second place in the final event of the season.
“Furthermore, I am pleased with our development initiatives, despite the minimal FIS Continental Cup schedule. We sent two athletes to World Junior Championships — one of whom is a direct result of our Fly Girls program that was started in Summer 2014. I look forward to a very productive summer for our Fly Girls and our World Cup team. Thanks to all of our supporters, sponsors, fans, and behind-the-scenes pillars.”