USA Nordic Weekend Recap: Ski Flying Planica World Cups

Men’s Ski Jumping wrapped up the 2023/2024 World Cup circuit earlier today in Planica, Slovenia. The weekend was highlighted by Erik Belshaw, who was able to card a new World Cup personal best, carding his first-ever top 10 finish.

Competition in Planica kicked-off on Thursday, March 21st, as athletes took the hill for the HS240 Qualification. Belshaw qualified 19th overall, going 194.0 meters for 181.8 points. Frantz was the final athlete to qualify, placing 34th overall, going 206.0 meters for 168.1 points. Casey Larson and Decker Dean finished just outside of qualification, with Larson placing 51st (196.5 meters, 131.5 points) and Dean right behind in 53rd (165.5 meters, 115.4 points).

The first Individual HS240 Ski Flying World Cup took place on Friday, March 22nd, as Belshaw and Frantz took the hill. During the first round, Belshaw jumped to 218.5 meters for 204.7 points, as he was able to advance to the final round. Belshaw’s final jump of the day went 216.5 meters for 210.0 points, totaling 414.7 points, as he was able to card an 8th place finish, giving him a new World Cup personal best and his first-ever top 10 finish. The Team HS240 World Cup was held on Saturday, March 23rd, as Belshaw, Frantz, Larson and Dean represented the United States. The foursome carded 636.3 total points, as they placed 7th overall.

The final event of the weekend came on Sunday, March 23rd, as Belshaw was the sole athlete to compete in the Individual HS240 Ski Flying World Cup. Belshaw was able to card jumps of 219.5 and 223.0 meters, giving him 389.8 total points, as he placed 17th overall, ending the 2023/2024 World Cup circuit.