Jans Summer National Ski Jumping Championships on Saturday marked the end of summer training by America's top jumpers. Next step is winter jumping, then the 1994 Winter Olympics.
Based on the final examination of summer, Jim Holland will go on snow as America's top jumper. And, he certainly set himself up as America's top hopeful in the coming Olympics.Holland made two jumps on Saturday and won the Summer Nationals impressively. He scored a total of 221.5 for the two jumps. Second was U.S. Ski Team teammate Todd Lodwick with 205.3. Third was Greg Boewster, also s U.S. team skier, with 199.5.
It was not the best day for summer jumping. It was closer to winter. A cold rain fell through most of the event. All that was left in the competition when it stopped was a "fun jump" for distance. Holland won that, too, and the prize of $100.
Holland said he had a good summer, made that way "by this facility (Utah's Winter Sports Park). Because of it we'll have a chance to medal in the Olympics, Without it we wouldn't have had any chance. This was the only place we could train this year," he said after his jumps.
Holland's best year was two years ago. Last year, he said, he lost ground.
"This year I feel I'm as good as I was two years ago. Now I know what I need to do to be at the top. I feel good about where I am right now.
"I have discovered a little flaw in my technique. It's been with me since I started jumping. I was too low on my takeoff. I'm working to correct the problem now," he said.
On his first jump, Holland flew 89.5 meters off the 90-meter jump. On his second he went 85.5 meters.
Lodwick flew 85 on his first and 83 on his second. And Boester went 83 and 84.5. They all jumped off the special jump adapted for summer use. A unique plastic surface allows skiers to slide down, jump and land. A sawdust pit at the end of the run helps stop skiers.
About his chances of medaling in the Olympics, Holland said he would go into the event better, "but jumping has changed. Everyone's better. I feel good about where I am and my chances."
Holland flew 93 meters on the distance event.
Jumping was also held for juniors. Brandan Doran was to top finisher with 221.3 points, very close to Holland.
Second was Jer Lindstrom with 191.