January 17, 2015 (Sapporo, Japan) – Today is a day U.S. ski jumper Will Rhoads (Park City, UT) will likely long remember. For following his superlative second place in a COC at this historic city of Sapporo, that hosted the 1972 Olympic Winter Games, he is the talk of the town in U.S, ski jumping circles.

Rhoads 2nd, Sjoeen 1st, Gangnes 3rd © Clint Jones

“Today was a great day for Will Rhoads and the USASJ team,” Head U.S. coach Clint Jones said in an email…..”In training Will having some solid take-offs, but was struggling a little with the extra pressure in the air on the bill hill here. So we made an equipment adjustment, and changed our game plan a bit and obviously it made all the difference.

With a 135 meter jump, Will was leading after the first round. In the final round, Will was able to handle the pressure of being in the lead and had another great jump of 126 meters, which was good enough for second place and a wonderful finish, we are so proud.” That is grace under pressure.

Will Rhoads on the chair lift © Clint Jones

Anders Johnson (Park City, UT) a three time Olympian also had a fine performance finishing in 21st place. Also of note, Kevin Bickner notched a superlative jump of 129 meters in the trial round, showing that he is capable of being among the best at anytime.” Bickner finished 45th today.

And longtime U.S. coach Clint Jones is already looking towards Sunday in Sapporo noting…” we’ve got another opportunity on the large hill and with any luck we can have all three athletes at the top of the results page.”

The winner of today’s event was Norway’s Philip Sjoeen.

Full results