Oslo, Norway – The FIS World Cup ski jumping season ended as it started for young Sarah Hendrickson of Park City, Utah, who soared to victory in the finale at the annual Holmenkollen Ski Festival in Oslo on Friday.

Hendrickson opened the inaugural World Cup season for women’s ski jumpers with a win three months ago in Lillehammer, Norway, several hours north of Oslo. Over the course of three months, Hendrickson won nine of 13 events and established herself as one of the sport’s new stars heading into its Olympic debut in 2014.

“It has been an amazing season for me,” she said. “I can’t even put into words how happy and how much fun I have had with everything.  It’s going to be a season to remember for sure.”

Hendrickson held off a second jump challenge by Japan’s Sara Takanashi to win 254.7-250.7 on Holmenkollen’s Midstubakken jump. After setting a hill record of 104.0 on her first ride, Hendrickson needed a strong second jump after Japan’s Sara Takanashi flew to another hill record 108.0 meters.

“The wind was a little bit all over the place. Judging by the points and wind compensation you can see that,” Hendrickson added. “But regardless of the weather you have to jump like you normally do and put that out of your mind. For me, just focusing on the simple things and forgetting about the wind is the only thing you can do.”

Hendrickson had already clinched the inaugural World Cup overall title the previous weekend in Zao, Japan and was presented with the coveted Crystal Globe in Oslo on Friday. Norway’s longtime star Anette Sagen finished third to barely edge out fellow veteran Lindsey Van for the podium. USA Teammates Jessica Jerome was 13^th, Abby Hughes was 27^th, and Alissa Johnson was 34^th. All three, plus Van, are also from Park City. The U.S. Women’s Ski Jumping Team finished the season in the number one position by more than 600 points over Germany.

“I feel one more time amazed about all of my team,” added U.S. coach Paolo Bernardi. “I think that I’m going to realize this season in one month because I have too many emotions through the season. This winter everything was perfect – just perfect. And I’m just happy. I want to enjoy this moment.”

OFFICIAL RESULTS
FIS Ski Jumping World Cup
Holmenkollen Ski Festival – Oslo, Norway – Mar. 9, 2012
Women’s Normal Hill, HS106, K-point 95m