Ski Jumping World Cup: Sarah Hendrickson back on top of podium

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HINTERZARTEN, GERMANY — Sarah Hendrickson snagged her second World Cup win of the season Saturday in Hinterzarten — a jump she knows well. She won here a year ago too, setting the hill record.

Hendrickson led the U.S. team Saturday, which bounced back from last weekend’s sluggish performance in Schonach, Germany. Five U.S. jumpers finished in the top 22 Saturday. Lindsey Van was 11th, Jessica Jerome 12th, Alissa Johnson 21st, Abby Hughes 22nd, and Nina Lussi 43rd.

“It feels really good to be back on the podium,” said Hendrickson, who jumped 97.5 and 98.5 meters (243.6 points). She edged out World Cup overall leader Sara Takanashi, of Japan, by 1.2 points. France’s Coline Mattel was 3rd.

“I had very good training earlier this week in Hinterzarten and so I came in here with confidence. I've liked this hill in the past and just used positive thoughts and got it done,” she said. Hendrickson’s hill record last year was 107.5 meters.

Coach Paolo Bernardi said Sarah is learning again how to handle the pressure of the competition in the right way — by doing her best jump at the right time.

“This week she has started to jump on her level and her victory Saturday in a super tight competition is awesome,” he said.

Bernardi was satisfied to see his team come back after some disappointing jumps in Schonach. “The team is almost back on the right track. With five in the top 22, it's promising. We have much more left in our tank.”

In a scary moment in the first round, reigning World Champion Daniela Iraschko, of Austria, crashed in the outrun and lay motionless. Coaches say she never lost consciousness, but may have injured her knee and was taken to the local hospital for diagnosis and treatment.

Competition continues Sunday.

World Cup

Hinterzarten, Germany

Women’s Normal Hill – HS108

(with wind system calculation)

Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013

1. Sarah Hendrickson, USA, (97.5 meters, 98.5) 243.6

2. Sara Takanashi, JPN, (99, 98) 242.4

3. Coline Mattel, FRA, (97.5, 97.5) 240.4

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11. Lindsey Van, USA, (92.5, 95) 219.7

12. Jessica Jerome, USA, (95.5, 92.5) 219.1

21. Alissa Johnson, USA, (94, 91.5) 205.9

22. Abby Hughes, USA (91.5, 92.5) 203.7

43. Nina Lussi, USA, (73.5) 66.1

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