Febuary 1, 2010 (Hinterzarten, Germany) – The US flag was raised for the first time at the 2010 FIS Nordic Junior Ski Jumping Championships on Friday as Sarah Hendrickson (Park City, UT) stood on the podium in the women’s ski jumping event won by Italy’s Elena Runggaldier.

“I don’t think it has really sunk in yet. However, to have two good jumps, and then have it pay off is a great feeling,” said Hendrickson. “To have the result with a medal in that high of a competition is wonderful.”

Hendrickson proved that she is part of the U.S. women’s ski jumping future, landing solid jumps to score within 20 points of the winner. She trailed France’s Mattel Coline in second place by less then 10 points to claim the third and final spot on the podium. Canada’s Atsuko Tanaka was 22nd with 196 points, the USA’s Nina Lussi was 27th with 173 points, and team mate Nina Englund was 33rd.

“It tells me that I can have good jumps in competition, and that a good jump can happen in a Continental Cup in the next couple of weeks,” said Hendrickson. “I am excited for the next couple of competitions that I have here before I leave for home.”

Friday’s competition was the only women’s event at the World Junior Championships. Complete results here.