Feb. 19, 2005 UPDATE FROM LINDSEY VAN IN SAALFELDEN, AUS

Today the competition was in Saalfelden, Austria. It was the final in the FIS Ladies Grand Prix. The weather was great for ski jumping with the sun shining. I think we were all a little tired from the long day before. We sat for 8 hours waiting for a room at a better hotel since we left our barn that we had stayed at the night before. Jessica had the best result out of the U.S. girls finishing 4th. I had my worst result in years and finished 13th. Alissa jumped a bit better and finished 16th. Karla had a better first comp jump and finished 21st. Brenna was in 32nd after the first round and did not qualify to take her second jump although the jumping was a bit better. Anette Sagen pulled out another win with the Austrian Daniela Iraschko in 2nd. I think we are all ready to come home for a while and rest a bit before heading back to Europe for some more competitions. I have never wanted to go home so bad, and I think it showed in my results. Hopefully some real food, real beds, and some relaxation will help. In the 4-hills Ladies Grand Prix I finished 2nd, Jessica 4th, Alissa 15th, Karla 22, and Brenna 33rd.

Lindsey