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Expect aerobatics at ski jumping
PARK CITY — Some of the most exciting acrobatics around can be seen in aerial ski jumping. And the athletes hoping to take home Olympic gold in aerials will qualify Saturday morning at Deer Valley.
Among the hopefuls are favorite and defending gold medalist Eric Bergoust. The 32-year-old Montana native has won all but one World Cup event this season in the men's competition. But look for something never before seen in an Olympic competition: Ales Valenta from the Czech Republic has promised to do five twists with his triple flip.
Another contender for top honors will be Alexei Grichin, Belarus. The American team is rounded out with Park City's own Joe Pack and Brian Currutt. Boise native Jeret Peterson earned a spot on the men's aerial team when Emily Cook injured her foot and had to withdraw from Olympic competition. There is a total of 14 freestyle team members, and each team can comprise any combination of men and women athletes.
The women's competition is much more a mystery after the gold-medal favorite, Jacqui Cooper of Australia, tore the ACL in her right knee. Alla Tsuper, Belarus, is currently No. 1 in the world, but there are several other international competitors who could claim gold.
The Americans are long shots, with Tracy Evans, Park City; and Brenda Petzold, Andover, Mass., the only women on the team. The women jump first from 9-11 a.m., and then the men will jump from 1-3 p.m. The women's final is scheduled for Monday at noon, while the men's medals will be decided Tuesday at the same time.
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February 16, 2002
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