Campus News

Three Westminster Students Compete in 2011 FIS World Nordic Ski Championships

Students battle harsh weather conditions in Women’s Ski Jump

Contact: Stephanie Carter (801) 832-2682
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2011


SALT LAKE CITY – Many cannot comprehend hurtling down a giant ramp on skis, flying through the air in an attempt to land as far down a hill as possible, let alone doing it in fog described as, “thick as pea soup,” rain and strong winds. But those were the conditions on the day of the women’s ski jump event at the 2011 FIS World Nordic Ski Championships in Oslo, Norway last month.

Jessica Jerome, Alissa Johnson and Abby Hughes, all Westminster students, were there, fighting the elements and other competitors in the championship.

Jerome placed highest of the three at 14th, with a first round 84-meter jump and a 90-meter ride in the second round.

"The weather was not amazing,” Jerome said. “For the last three days we've been training well with good weather. Unfortunately, on the day that it counted, it wasn't the best. I didn't do what I am capable of."

After the first round, Johnson was in seventh with a jump of 91 meters. Her second jump was 81 meters, dropping her down to 20th.

"It's about as hard as it could get for any jumper today," Johnson said. "Conditions like this are everywhere but you can't do anything about the weather. Every jump I have taken on this hill has gotten progressively better and I felt really relaxed. I was happy with my first jump. I didn't, by any means, expect to be in the top 10. My last jump wasn't awesome, but I am still happy to be here."

Hughes placed 24th.

This is only the second time women’s ski jumping has been included as an event in the World Championships. The sport saw a significant increase in participation with 43 athletes from 15 different countries competing- a “big jump” from last year’s event.

About Westminster:
Westminster is a nationally recognized, comprehensive liberal arts college. With a broad array of graduate and undergraduate programs, Westminster is distinguished by its unique environment for learning. Westminster prepares students for success through active and engaged learning, real world experiences and its vibrant campus community. Westminster’s unique location, adjacent to the Rocky Mountains and to the dynamic city of Salt Lake, further enriches the college experience. For more information visit www.westminstercollege.edu or follow @WestminsterSLC.