February 17, 2018   (PyeongChang, South Korea) – USA Nordic athlete Kevin Bickner (Wauconda, IL) finished 20th in the Large Hill Ski Jumping event at the 2018 Olympic Games, marking the best American result in the event since Jim Holland finished 12th in 1992.

Canada’s Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes was just behind in 21st as Kamil Stoch (POL) won gold over Andreas Wellinger (GER) in second with Robert Johansson (NOR) taking home the bronze.

Temperatures were milder and the winds were calmer, yet still tricky, at Alpensia Ski Jumping Stadium for the 2018 Large Hill Olympic finals. Bickner, along with teammate Michael Glasder (Cary, IL), were the only two Americans who had qualified for the event by jumping into the top 50 in the qualification round the night before.

Bickner’s first jump of 129.5 meters was enough to put him in 20th place, safely through to the final round of 30. His second round of 124.5 meters, though shorter, was strong enough to maintain his position and give the US its first top 20 result on the Large Hill in 26 years.

“It was a tough comp on a big stage,” said Bickner. “That made it hard to stay calm and focus. But I feel like I was able to put down two solid, consistent jumps, so I’m happy with a 20th place.”

It was a good day for all of North America as Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes (Calgary, ALB) of Canada finished 21st, just 0.1 points behind Bickner. Boyd-Clowes’ result was the best by a Canadian in the event since Horst Bulau finished 7th in Calgary in 1988. Boyd-Clowes travels with the USA Nordic team throughout the year.

“I am satisfied with the guys’ performance this week,” said Head Coach Bine Norcic. “We expected a bit more at the end, but I’m happy with how the guys have been improving, and at the right time. Today was not easy. Congrats to Kevin, Mike, and Mac on their performances.”

“We have the team event next, which we will just try to enjoy. If we relax, the results will come,” added Norcic.

The next competition for the men will be the Large Hill team event, scheduled for Monday, February 19, 21:30 KT, 7:30 EST.

Results here.