Lake Placid, a picturesque village in upstate New York, is set to make history by hosting its first-ever women’s ski jumping World Cup event in February 2025. This event will be a significant milestone for the village, which has already established itself as a premier destination for ski jumping competitions. The addition of a women’s competition to the annual ski jumping tour is a testament to the growing popularity and recognition of women’s ski jumping in the sport.
The decision to include a women’s ski jumping World Cup in Lake Placid was a collaborative effort between USA Nordic and the state Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA). Anders Johnson, the ski jumping and Nordic combined sport director for USA Nordic, expressed the importance of hosting women’s competitions alongside the men’s events. This move not only promotes gender equality in the sport but also provides female athletes with a platform to showcase their skills on an international stage.
The upcoming women’s ski jumping World Cup in Lake Placid will be part of ORDA’s 2024-25 event calendar, which also includes other prestigious competitions such as the FIS Freestyle Aerials World Cup and the IBSF Bobsled and Skeleton World Championships. These events highlight Lake Placid’s reputation as a world-class venue for winter sports and attract top athletes from around the globe.
The success of previous FIS Ski Jumping World Cups in Lake Placid has paved the way for the inclusion of a women’s competition. The enthusiastic response from spectators and the positive feedback from athletes have demonstrated the village’s capability to host high-level professional events. With a strong track record of hosting successful competitions, Lake Placid is well-equipped to welcome the world’s best ski jumpers for the women’s World Cup.
The addition of a women’s ski jumping World Cup in Lake Placid reflects a broader trend in the sport towards gender inclusivity. Anders Johnson noted that FIS is moving towards having more events that feature both men’s and women’s disciplines, signaling a positive shift towards greater equality in ski jumping. The U.S. has been at the forefront of promoting women’s ski jumping, with Lake Placid hosting the first-ever Continental Cup for women and continuing to support the development of female athletes in the sport.
The upcoming women’s ski jumping World Cup in Lake Placid will provide a unique opportunity for American athletes to compete on home soil. The current women’s national ski jumping team features talented athletes from across the country, including Annika Belshaw, Sandra Sproch, Estella Hassrick, Paige Jones, Sam Macuga, and Josie Johnson. These athletes are eager to showcase their skills in front of a home crowd and make their mark on the international stage.
In addition to the women’s ski jumping World Cup, Lake Placid will also host other prestigious events, such as the UCI Mountain Biking World Series and the FIS Aerials World Cup. These competitions further solidify Lake Placid’s reputation as a premier destination for winter sports and attract top athletes from around the world. The village’s rich history in hosting world-class events makes it a fitting location for the women’s ski jumping World Cup and underscores its commitment to promoting excellence in winter sports.
