August 30, 2014 (Frenstat, Czech Republic) – American Nita Englund, 22, of Steamboat Springs, Colorado secured a third-place finish at the FIS Cup Ladies Normal Hill Individual Competition in Frenstat, Czech. VISA  Women’s Ski Jumping Teammate Nina Lussi, 20, of Lake Placid, New York also had a strong showing, placing 5^th in a field of 23 athletes from five countries. Englund soared 91.0 and 88.5 meters to earn 200.5 points and her podium finish. Lussi was close behind, jumping 90.5 and 85.5 meters in her two Saturday jumps and earning 187.5 points.

Both Englund and Lussi also had excellent performances on Friday, placing 4^th and 5^th respectively out of a field of 22 women ski jumpers. Englund jumped 87.0 and 91.5 meters in her two first-round jumps to earn 194 points. Lussi jumped 90 and 90.5 meters in her first round jumps to earn 191.4 points.

Commenting on her podium finish, Englund said, ” I am very happy with this weekend. The hill was challenging in a good way and was a great start to our training camp. The FIS Cup helped me build my confidence and prepare me for more challenging competitions. Nina is one of the best teammates to have, because she is motivational and positive. Vasja is a great fit as the new US travel coach, due to his unique insights on the ski jump. I am excited to be coached by him the rest of this summer and upcoming winter.”

“Although I really enjoyed the experience here in Frenstat, I was not 100% satisfied with my jumping,” Lussi said. “However, it was great spending time with our male American counterparts. Having our competitions together definitely added to the overall morale. I am very excited about our new coach and the connection to Slovenia―I know this will beneficial for future success. Even on this trip we had ski service assistance and help from the Slovenian men’s coach in tailoring our suits. I look forward to working hard alongside Nita and Vasja. This is just the start of many great things to come. We make an excellent team!”

The VISA Women’s Ski Jumping Team will compete next at the Continental Cup in Trondheim, Norway at the end of September.

Normal Hill Individual – August 29 Full Results
Normal Hill Individual – August 30 Full Results

About Women’s Ski Jumping USA
Women’s Ski Jumping USA is the primary support organization for the U.S. women’s ski jumping program and for the U.S. national team, officially called the Visa Women’s Ski Jumping Team. The organization administers and finances the team’s coaching, travel, training, equipment, and the Fly Girls junior development program. The mission of Women’s Ski Jumping USA is to support and run a successful and sustainable team and to grow participation in the U.S. women’s ski jumping program through the facilitation of national development efforts to produce the best women ski jumpers in the world. In addition, WSJ-USA aspires to remain an influential voice in advocating for gender equality in sport.