PARK CITY, UT (Feb. 1, 2017) – Viktor Polasek of the Czech Republic and Manuela Malsiner of Italy took top honors in the men and women’s HS100-meter ski jumping at the USANA FIS Nordic Junior World Championships Wednesday at the Utah Olympic Park.
Viktor Polasek of the Czech Republic (center) took the gold in the HS100-meter as Alex Insam of Italy was second (left) and Germany’s Constantin Schmid in third. (FIS-Romina Eggert)
Rounding out the podium for the men were Alex Insam of Italy in second and Germany’s Constantin Schmid in third. For the women, Slovenia’s Ema Klinec was second and Nika Kriznar was third.
It was a banner day for American Casey Larson (Barrington, IL) of the Norge Ski Club outside Chicago. Larson soared to sixth after the first round with a 92.5 meter ride. In the final round, he went 92.0 meters and dropped down to eighth overall – one spot away from the American Junior Worlds men's record held by U.S. Coach Clint Jones from 2002.
Italy’s Manuela Malsiner won the women’s HS100-meter as Slovenia’s Ema Klinec (left) was second and Nika Kriznar was third. (FIS-Romina Eggert)
In the women’s event, Gabby Armstrong (Lake Placid, NY) of the New York Ski Education Foundation was 37th.
Competition continues Friday with the team event, followed by the mixed gender team event on Sunday.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Viktor Polasek of the Czech Republic flew 97 meters to win the men’s HS100-meter Wednesday at the Utah Olympic Park.
- Manuela Malsiner of Italy soared 95.5 meters to win the women’s HS100-meter Wednesday at the Utah Olympic Park.
- Casey Larson was the top U.S. finisher for the men in eighth – one spot away from the American record at Junior Worlds.
QUOTES
Viktor Polasek
It feels great to be Junior World Champion now. I came here with big expectations and I’m glad I was able to fulfill them. In last year’s Junior World Championships I was fourth and I expected to be better this time. So I’m extremely satisfied.
Alex Insam
For me the training went pretty well, which is why I went into the competition with big expectations. I’m happy that I could fulfill these expectations. This result really is my biggest success so far.
Constantin Schmid
After the training I didn’t expect that I’d be on the podium in the end. I’m very happy that things worked out for me.
Casey Larson
I definitely felt pretty good, honestly. The trainings were around there so I just kind of hoped I could have my best jump and then I can’t worry about what place I’m in after that just because I know I’ll be happy. I put down two solid jumps that I was really pumped about so I really can’t complain about anything today.
This hill is definitely funky and different from a lot of hills in Europe or the Midwest where I am from. But we know it super well, us Americans, because we are out here all Summer most of us, so I felt confident on the hill and I think we had a leg up in that respect.
There’s a couple competitions left so I just want to keep that groove going and not try too hard and let it flow.
RESULTS
Men’s HS100
Women’s HS100
AUDIO INTERVIEWS
Viktor Polasek
Constantin Schmid
Alex Insam
Casey Larsen
