Schonach, Germany – Two members of the U.S. Visa Women’s Ski Jumping Team finished in the top five Saturday in a Continental Cup event that was overshadowed by the tragic and unexpected death of a young Italian jumper.nThe Italian Winter Sports Federation confirmed that Simona Senoner, just 17, died suddenly Friday in Schonach after feeling ill in her hotel room. The Associated Press reported that Senoner was airlifted to a local hospital after her roommate discovered her collapsed, but she was declared dead upon arrival. No cause of death was given, though early reports cite cardiac arrest and possibly meningitis. Senoner finished 10th in the 2008 junior worlds.
Visa team member Jessica Jerome said all the women jumpers wore black armbands over their jumpsuits during competition Saturday in memory of Senoner and they observed a moment of silence at the prize ceremony.
Jerome finished fourth, Lindsey Van was fifth, Alissa Johnson was 22nd and Abby Hughes was 24th. Austria’s Daniela Iraschko won the event. While missing the top three, the Women’s Ski Jumping USA athletes still retained their spots in the standings. Jerome is second and Van third after seven of 23 scheduled Continental Cups. France’s Coline Mattel led the first round over Iraschka with a 96..5 meter jump. Her second place finish brought her within a point of Van in the series standings.
“It is absolutely unfathomable what the Italian girls are going through right now,” Jerome said. “I didn’t know Simona well, but she was very well loved by her teammates. She was always smiling and happy. All the jumper girls are still in shock. I admire the Italian girls’ ability to come together and perform the way they did Saturday.”
Hughes said she plans to wear her armband in honor of Simona for the remainder of the COC season. “I really admire the Italian girls for competing this weekend. Evelyn Insam finished 7th and she told me she did it for Simona,” Hughes said. “It’s amazing how this community has come together for her team, friends and family. It has definitely given me a different perspective.”
“It has been very difficult for women’s ski jumping with the loss of Simona and our hearts go out to her family and the Italian team during this difficult time. They have shown amazing strength and they are an inspiration,” said Johnson.
Higher than normal temperatures gave way to rain this week in Schonach, causing training delays, though Saturday’s comp was smooth. Van was third after her first jump of 95 meters on the 106-meter hill and Jerome was sixth with 92 meters. Jerome edged forward after her second jump of 97.5 meters — highest of the round.
“My second jump was exactly what I wanted, much better technically and flying in the air and I hope to carry that into competition on Sunday,” Jerome said.
Continental Cup
Schonach, Germany
Jan. 8, 2011
Women’s HS106
1. Daniela Iraschka, Austria (96.0, 96.5) 239.6
2. Coline Mattell, France (96.5, 95.5) 235.8
3. Melanie Faisst, Germany (97.5, 94.5) 231.9
4. Jessica Jerome, Park City, UT (92.5, 97.5) 227.9
5. Lindsey Van, Park City, UT (95.0, 90.5) 222.9