Jessica Jerome first American to qualify for Olympic women's ski jumping

Jessica Jerome first American to qualify for Olympic women’s ski jumping

First-place finisher Jessica Jerome competes in women's ski jumping at the U.S. Olympic trials in Park City, Utah.

By David Wharton

Dec. 30, 2013 12 AM PT

Maybe Jessica Jerome will finally realize what she has done come Monday morning.

Jerome won the U.S. Olympic team trials in women’s ski jumping over the weekend, qualifying to represent America as her sport makes its debut at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games.

“It’s pretty surreal,” Jerome said on Sunday. “I’m glad I can take a breath now and focus on training to prepare for Sochi.”

The U.S. is expected to have as many as four spots in Russia, so additional Americans can still qualify.

Veterans Lindsey Van, Alissa Johnson and Abby Hughes finished behind Jerome. Sarah Hendrickson, who ranks among the top female jumpers in the world, is hoping to recover from knee surgery in time for the Olympics.

The remainder of the U.S. team will be named Jan. 22.

“It sounds cliché, but it is a dream come true and I can’t wait to go and represent my country,” Jerome said.

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David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

Jessica Jerome first American to qualify for Olympic women’s ski jumping

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