Unprecedented agreement combines coaching and athlete training, research and development, and sponsorship efforts.
PARK CITY, Utah, USA and OSLO, Norway (August 24, 2022) – USA Nordic Sport (USANS) and Norges Hopplandslaget, the national leadership organizations for the original Olympic discipline of Ski Jumping in their respective countries, today announced a historic, formal partnership to advance the sport worldwide. The partnership, approved by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), is designed to elevate training, coaching and athlete performance in the discipline of Ski Jumping, which has been included in the Winter Olympic Games since 1924 and the annual FIS Ski Jumping World Cup since 1979.
Under terms of the partnership, the staff of both organizations will work in collaboration to coach athletes from the United States and Norway in training camps that will be held at world class Ski Jumping facilities in both nations. The U.S. and Norwegian national teams will share sport science and work together to establish and secure global sponsors to back the unified teams as they train to compete for FIS Championships and the Winter Olympic games medals. The agreement spans up to four years and will be governed by a formal charter and an oversight committee.
Clas Brede Bråthen, the National Teamleader for Norwegian Ski Jumping will serve as the leader for the combined Ski Jumping training team. “When it comes to the discipline of competitive Ski Jumping, our goal is to solidify Norway’s position as the most important Ski Jumping nation in the world,” Bråthen said. “Combining the resources of the U.S. and Norway will help fulfill our intense desire to be a leader pushing the sport of Ski Jumping to the highest possible level worldwide.”
“Norwegian Ski Jumping has been recognized as one of the best in the world since the first World Record in Ski Jumping was set in 1808, by Olaf Rye,“ said Tom Bickner, USANS board chair. “Our organizations are partnering for athlete development, coaches’ education, national team training, sport science and sponsorship efforts because it is the best way to transform the sport of Ski Jumping. Our mutual goal is to make our sport more relevant and exciting for young women and men around the world.”
“FIS applauds the unprecedented agreement between Norway and the United States to collaborate toward achieving athletic greatness,” said Sandro Pertile, FIS Race Director for Ski Jumping. “Both organizations are committed to setting new standards, processes and approaches that can be shared with other Ski Jumping teams worldwide. Our organizations and athletes are proudly showing our children and the world how we can work together to achieve greatness.”
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About USA Nordic Sport
USA Nordic Sport (USANS) is the National Leadership Organization for the original Olympic disciplines of Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined in the United States. Founded in 2007, USANS is a 501 (c)(3) committed to ensuring the survival and success of Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined throughout the country. Built by alumni and driven by former athletes, we are focused on growing and promoting our sports while operating international elite team programs with the goal to be the best in the world. USA Nordic “Elite Athletes” represent the best in the country in their sports and compete as a team at the national and international levels. More information on USA Nordic can be found at usanordic.org or its social media channels @usanordic.
About Norges Hopplandslaget
Hopplandslaget represents Norway’s National Ski Jumping Team. The male and female athletes came together as one team in 2021, The Norwegian Ski Association (NSF) dates back to 1908. Our goal is to be “the most important Ski Jumping nation in the world,” by always prioritizing the development of the sport. We do this through our core values, “Respect, Humbleness and Joy.” Hopplandslaget consists of athletes who have won the World Cup, the World Championship, Olympic Champions and Ski Flying Champions. Please visit skiforbundet.no or our social media @hopplandslaget for further information.
About FIS
FIS is the governing body for international skiing and snowboarding, founded in 1924 during the first Olympic Games in Chamonix, France. Recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), FIS manages the Olympic disciplines of Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding, including setting the international competition rules. Through its 132 member nations, more than 500 FIS ski and snowboard competitions are staged annually. Specific initiatives are undertaken by FIS to promote snow activities as a healthy leisure recreation, notably for the young. For more information, please visit www.fis-ski.com.
1 Comment
Sounds like a good thing for both countries. Good luck.