Park City, Utah (February 10, 2024) – Women’s Nordic Combined competed in the Team Sprint HS102/2×4.5 event at the FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships today in Planica, Slovenia. The duo of Alexa Brabec and Kai McKinnon finished second overall, bringing home the first-ever medal in a Women’s Nordic Combined team event at Junior Worlds for the United States.
On the hill, McKinnon started things off with an 84.0 meter jump for 89.1 points. Brabec then put together an 89.5 meter jump for 107.4 points (196.5 total points), securing the 5th position for the 2/4.5km sprint, starting +0:29 back of first place.
During the 2/4.5km, Brabec and McKinnon were able to move into 3rd place after 0.7km, and then moved into 2nd place after 3km. The duo was then able to move into 1st overall after 4.5km, as they battled with Japan for the gold medal. Brabec and McKinnon were neck and neck with Japan until the final stretch after 8.2km, crossing the finish line at 9km just +0.7 behind Japan, as Brabec and McKinnon secured the silver medal for the United States.
“Wow, what an amazing day for Alexa and Kai,” said Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined Sport Director Anders Johnson. “This team has really exceeded our expectations at Junior World Championships, and I couldn’t be more proud. A huge shoutout to our coaches, Michael and Garrett for their hard work, and the Norwegian team for their amazing support.”
Results
Women’s Nordic Combined HS102/2×4.5km Event – Junior World Championships
