ALMATY, Kazhakstan (Sept. 12, 2015) - Nita Englund (Florence, WI) put in one of the most impressive performances of her career, finishing second in a FIS Ski Jumping Summer Grand Prix Saturday in the Olympic bid city of Almaty. Englund soared 99.0 and 91.5 meters to finish behind Grand Prix leader Sara Takanashi of Japan on the HS106 meter jump. Yuki Ito of Japan was third. The women jump again on Sunday.
Englund had served notice in Friday's training, flying 97.5 meters in one of the long rides of the day. In the first round Saturday, she stretched it down to 99.0 meters, outjumping Takanashi by 1.5 meters but dropping into second based on style points and wind compensation - just 2.4 points out of the lead. On the second jump, Englund was a bit late on her jump, going 91.5 meters, but held off Ito to claim second.
Her performance matched the second place finish she scored last season in Rasnov, Romania.
Nina Lussi (Lake Placid, NY) continued an impressive tour, finishing in the points for the third time in 22nd - matching her career best at the World Cup level.
Nita Englund (right) is all thumbs up as she finished second in the FIS Ski Jumping Summer Grand Prix in Almaty. (FIS)
The trip to Kazhakstan took the women's tour to a new part of the world, but to a city that has rapidly been establishing itself as a ski jumping center.
"I was happy with everything here. Today's result is making me feel more confident for winter," said Englund. "i will admit, I did not know what to expect when I got here but I have had so much fun exploring and experiencing Kazakhstan culture. I'm having a good time and jumping the same as in training really mattered. My second jump was quite late, and I need to work in my telemarks."
Lussi found herself in the points again after a strong finish in Chaikovsky, Russia last week. She jumped 84.0 and 82.5 meters.
"The venues here in Almaty are very new and state of the art," she said. "Since we came directly over here from our last competitions in Russia, we were able to get two training sessions in as well. Apparently we made the right choice as I tied my best WC finish and Nita landed on the podium. It has been fun to explore the city in our time off and the organizers have done a great job in giving each country an attaché to help us navigate Almaty. Personally, I love being in Asia and seeing a totally different part of the world and the differences in culture and fashion."
The Grand Prix continues Sunday with a second event in Almaty.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Nita Englund (Florence, WI) challenged FIS Ski Jumping Summer Grand Prix leader Sara Takanashi of Japan to finish second in the Olympic bid city of Almaty.
- The podium matched Englund's career best second in the Rasnov, Romania World Cup last season.
- American Nina Lussi (Lake Placid, NY) continued her consistent performances finishing in the points at 22nd.
- The Grand Prix continues with a final jump in Almaty Sunday.
RESULTS
Official Results
Nina Lussi flies down the inrun at Almaty. (FIS)
