SOLDIER HOLLOW, Utah (March 15) - The exhibition marked the first time a women's division was held at U.S. Championships. Nearly all of the top women jumpers took part, although few had extensive cross country ski racing experience. photos US Ski Team "It was terrible," laughed Jerome, whose boyfriend is U.S. Cross Country Ski Team sprint star Andy Newell. "I talked to Andy last night and he told me to ski easier on the first lap. Well, I didn't do that. I was hurting so much I had to talk myself through it. Most of the veterans pointed to the young Hendrickson as the most experienced. Hendrickson, "Everyone told me to pace myself. But that didn't work so well," she laughed. What was the toughest part of the course? "That hill," she said pointing, "and that hill, and that hill." The 2008 backcountry.com U.S. Ski Jumping Championships continue Sunday with men's and women's championships on the normal hill at the Utah Olympic Park. OFFICIAL RESULTS 2008 backcountry.com U.S. Nordic Combined Championships Soldier Hollow, UT - March 15, 2008 Nordic combined sprint Women 5K (exhibition) 1. Jessica Jerome, Park City, UT, :24:05 2. Sarah Hendrickson, Park City, UT, +:38 3. Zoya Lynch, Canada, +1:58 4. Alissa Johnson, Park City, UT, +3:46 5. Avery Ardovino, Park City, UT, +3.50 |