October 12, 2008 (Lake Placid, NY) – The U.S. Ski Jumping Team’s Lindsey Van (Park City, UT) put the nation on notice that she’s back, and she’s still the best. Along with Anders Johnson (Park City, UT), who won the men’s title, Van took the national title for women Saturday 2009 U.S. Championships in Lake Placid. “It means more that I had two really good jumps, but obviously it’s nice to win again,” Van said. “It’s been a while since anything like that has happened, so I’m excited. It feels like a step in the right direction for me.”

Van, who’s been striving for consistency in her jumping this season, has managed to be regimental about being the national champion, having won the honor 13 times already. “I don’t really have much to say about it, I’m just happy that I can keep adding them up. I don’t like losing. Who likes losing? So, it’s nice,” Van said. “Let’s just say [I hope to win] every one I compete in from here on out.”

Landing in the second-place spot in the women’s competition was Jessica Jerome, followed by Alissa Johnson (both Park City, UT) in third. “My first jump was really good – probably one of the best jumps I’ve had in the past couple of weeks and I was really happy with it,” Jerome said. “But the second round the air was a little bit inconsistent and I had a really bad jump. Obviously I would have liked to have won, but I didn’t put two good jumps together, Lindsey did.” According to Jerome, competing in Lake Placid was a benefit for all the women, who know the hill like the back of their hands. “It was great. We’ve jumped this hill a lot and we know it really well and we know how to fly it. The competition went pretty well,” Jerome said.

On the men’s side, Johnson marked his sixth consecutive victory and second national title when he beat out Billy Demong (Vermontville, NY) and Johnny Spillane (Steamboat Springs, CO) for the 2009 title. “Today felt really good. I’ve been jumping consistently better all summer,” Johnson said. “The second round I had a good jump and it felt good to get the win. I’m excited for that title, but I’m excited for my team [Project X] as well.”

Next up, a SuperTour competition on Sunday.

Results

Women
1. Lindsey Van, Park City, UT, 251.0 (Points)
2. Jessica Jerome, Park City, UT, 237.5
3. Alissa Johnson, Park City, UT, 226.0
4. Abby Hughes, Park City, UT, 216.5
5. Avery Ardovino, Park City, UT, 200.5
6. Karin Friberg, Roseville, MN, 196.5
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Men
1. Anders Johnson, Park City, UT, 268.5
2. Johnny Spillane, Steamboat Springs, CO, 261.5
3. Billy Demong, Vermontville, NY, 251.0
4. Nick Fairall, Andover, NH, 247.0
5. Todd Lodwick, Steamboat Springs, CO, 233.0