Salt Lake Tribune - Ski jumping takes on new meaning

PARK CITY - Brenna Ellis had to make some sacrifices to become one of the world's best in women's ski jumping. Ellis, who also played soccer, wasn't part of the Park City team that won consecutive Class 3-A titles in 2004 and '05. She played for the Miners during her first two years of high school, but her ski jumping training schedule ultimately conflicted too much with the soccer season.

The chance to compete in the Winter Olympics outweighed any high school championship for Ellis. "If I get an Olympic medal, I'm not going to be too bummed about missing state championships," she said. Fresh Olympic dreams are driving women's ski jumpers in Park City this week, as they prepare for their first competition of the season this weekend at the Utah Olympic Park. It is the first women's competition since the International Ski Federation (FIS) voted in May to sanction a first world championship for the sport in 2009. A world championship represents a victory in efforts to earn recognition for the sport, but for U.S. team members it's not the end goal. The IOC is expected to add the sport to the 2010 games in November. "It's a step forward in the right direction, so we're all really excited to start competing again and start the new season," said U.S. ski jumper Lindsey Van. Prospects of competing for a world championship - and, potentially, a spot in Vancouver - have added more fire than usual to summertime training, said Casey Colby, coach of the U.S. women's ski jumping team. "They feel like they've been validated in what they've been doing for 10 or 15 years," Colby said. "There's definitely motivational improvement that's happened in the last three months." All five U.S. team members rank among the top 15 women's ski jumpers in the world and, as the top team internationally over the past two years, should be favored on their home hill this weekend. "Definitely, they're going to be watching us because we have potential to be the best again," said Abby Hughes, the team's youngest member. The team will face some hurdles in its quest to come out on top this weekend. Japan brings an experienced team to Park City. Germany also has a talented group, featuring junior world champion Juilane Seyfahrt. A solid performance will be important in aiding the U.S. team's efforts to stay on the right track when the heart of the season arrives this winter. "A home event is a big event, but our focus is the 14 events that happen in the winter," Colby said. Women's Ski Jumping What: First International Ski Federation (FIS) Continental Cup competition of the 2006-07 season. Where: Utah Olympic Park, Park City When: Today and Saturday. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., events begin at 6 p.m. Admission: Free PARK CITY - Brenna Ellis had to make some sacrifices to become one of the world's best in women's ski jumping. Ellis, who also played soccer, wasn't part of the Park City team that won consecutive Class 3-A titles in 2004 and '05. She played for the Miners during her first two years of high school, but her ski jumping training schedule ultimately conflicted too much with the soccer season. The chance to compete in the Winter Olympics outweighed any high school championship for Ellis. "If I get an Olympic medal, I'm not going to be too bummed about missing state championships," she said. Fresh Olympic dreams are driving women's ski jumpers in Park City this week, as they prepare for their first competition of the season this weekend at the Utah Olympic Park. It is the first women's competition since the International Ski Federation (FIS) voted in May to sanction a first world championship for the sport in 2009. A world championship represents a victory in efforts to earn recognition for the sport, but for U.S. team members it's not the end goal. The IOC is expected to add the sport to the 2010 games in November. "It's a step forward in the right direction, so we're all really excited to start competing again and start the new season," said U.S. ski jumper Lindsey Van. Prospects of competing for a world championship - and, potentially, a spot in Vancouver - have added more fire than usual to summertime training, said Casey Colby, coach of the U.S. women's ski jumping team. "They feel like they've been validated in what they've been doing for 10 or 15 years," Colby said. "There's definitely motivational improvement that's happened in the last three months." All five U.S. team members rank among the top 15 women's ski jumpers in the world and, as the top team internationally over the past two years, should be favored on their home hill this weekend. "Definitely, they're going to be watching us because we have potential to be the best again," said Abby Hughes, the team's youngest member. The team will face some hurdles in its quest to come out on top this weekend. Japan brings an experienced team to Park City. Germany also has a talented group, featuring junior world champion Juilane Seyfahrt. A solid performance will be important in aiding the U.S. team's efforts to stay on the right track when the heart of the season arrives this winter. "A home event is a big event, but our focus is the 14 events that happen in the winter," Colby said. Women's Ski Jumping What: First International Ski Federation (FIS) Continental Cup competition of the 2006-07 season. Where: Utah Olympic Park, Park City When: Today and Saturday. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., events begin at 6 p.m. Admission: Free

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