USA Nordic Recaps Men's Ski Jumping Four Hills Tournament

The FIS Men’s Ski Jumping Four Hills Tournament wrapped up on the 6th January, with the final World Cup of the tournament in Bischofshofen, Austria. At the first stop during the Four Hills Tournament in Oberstdorf, Germany, Erik Belshaw was able to score his second World Cup points of the season with a 26th place finish. Decker Dean also had a successful showing at the Four Hills Tournament, qualifying for each World Cup competition at all four stops.

Oberstdorf, Germany (December 28th – 29th)

The Four Hills Tournament kicked-off on December 28th, in Oberstdorf, Germany, with a HS137 Qualification. Decker Dean was first to qualify for USA Nordic on the day, as he placed 34th overall, as he jumped to 121.0 meters for 115.4 points. Erik Belshaw was close behind, as he was able to qualify with a 45th place finish, jumping to 117.0 meters for 107.7 points.

During the Individual HS137 World Cup on December 29th, Dean was able to put together a 114.0 meter jump. This gave him a total of 113.3 points, placing him 31st overall, as he barely missed qualification for the second round. Belshaw was then able to jump to 124.5 meters, earning him 121.9 points, as he moved on to the second round. For his final jump of the day, Belshaw jumped to 113.5 meters, giving him a total of 231.4 points. This earned Belshaw a 26th place finish, notching his first World Cup points of the Four Hills Tournament.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany (December 31st – January 1st)

At the next stop in the Four Hills Tournament, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, competition was started with a HS142 Qualification on December 31st. Dean was able to qualify with a 50th place finish, as he jumped to 113.0 meters for 95.1 points.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen then welcomed in the New Year with an Individual HS142 World Cup on January 1st. During the first round of action, Dean jumped to 112.5 meters, for a total of 89.5 points. This put him in 44th place, as he was unable to qualify for the second round.

Innsbruck, Austria (January 3rd – 4th)

On January 3rd, the Four Hills Tournament then continued to its next stop in Innsbruck, Austria. During the HS128 Qualification, Dean was able to jump to 114.0 meters (91.2 points), as he qualified with a 40th place finish. Placing 48th overall, Belshaw was able to qualify, as he tallied a 110.0 meter jump for a total 86.4 points.

During the Individual HS128 World Cup on January 4th, Dean jumped to 106.5 meters (89.4 points), putting him in 40th place, as he was unable to qualify for the final round. Belshaw was close behind in 47th place, notching a 105.5 meter jump (80.6 points), as he was unable to advance to the final round.

Bischofshofen, Austria (January 5th – 6th)

The final stop in the Four Hills Tournament was Bischofshofen, Austria. On January 5th, Dean and Belshaw participated in the HS142 Qualification. Dean was able to qualify with a 39th place finish, as he recorded a 119.0 meter jump for 115.1 points. Belshaw then finished 60th overall in the HS142 Qualification, carding a jump of 110.0 meters (89.5 points), as he was unable to qualify for the HS142 World Cup in Bischofshofen.

During the first round of the HS142 World Cup on January 6th, Dean was able to jump to 124.0 meters. This gave him 119.1 points, placing 44th overall, as he was unable to advance to the final round.

“We had a great start in Oberstdorf, Erik was able to have a great first jump, and we were all very happy with that. Decker would have also scored points in Oberstdorf, if it wasn’t for this tournament’s system,” said Men’s and Women’s Ski Jumping Head Coach, Tore Sneli. “So many things have happened during this tournament, we’ve learned a lot and it has been a great experience. There are a lot of good things to look forward to in the future, I’m just happy,” continued Sneli. “I’m looking forward to the rest of the season. The goal is to keep competing at a high level, and to continue to score World Cup points.”