Nick Alexander, Christian Friberg, Kevin Bickner - USA Ski Jumping
Christian Friberg won his first ever national title at the USA Ski Jumping Championships on the large hill in the Utah Olympic Park in Park City on Sunday.
On the 2002 Olympic hill, the 19-year-old of St. Paul, MN showed jumps on 130 m and 126.5 m and took the Championship title with a total of 260.7 points.
"I had some good jumps and stayed relaxed. I focused what I was working on instead of trying different things. And at the end it worked well for me. Things were progressing very well this summer. This is just a good stepping stone for the future and some good competitions this winter", Christian Friberg said to USA Ski Jumping after the successful competition.
Nick Alexander finished second with his jumps on 127 m and 126 m and 251.9 points, followed by Kevin Bickner in third with 239.5 points (124.5 m and 123 m). Canadian Matt Rowley jumped on 130 m in the first round and fell in the final at 135.5 m. In an international ranking of the competition he was second with 251.9 points.
Jessica Jerome dominated the ladies' competition with 121.5 m and 122.5 m and her total of 224.7 points. Sie gewann vor Nita Englund (114.5 m and 114 m; 198.3 points) and Tara Geraghty-Moats (111 m and 113.5 m; 190.6 points).
Peter Frenette: Studying instead of ski jumping
Peter Frenette was not taking part in this championships as he decided to put his ski jumping career on hold. On facebook the 22-year-old wrote about this decision: "This sport has been my life for over 15 years, and what a ride it has been. I have seen the world, made amazing friends, learned some tough lessons, and have been fortunate enough to compete at a level that, when I started, was only a dream. As a two-time Olympian, three-time National Champion, and competitor in world-class events around the world, I feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of this community.
After competing in Sochi, spending some time at home with my family, and doing some soul searching, I have decided to travel a new path for a time, which begins by transferring as an undergrad to The University of Denver this fall."
Top 10 US Championships, Park City K 120; August 3, 2014