Olympian Hinkley named new USA Nordic Sports Director

Olympian Jed Hinkley has been named as the new sport director for USA Nordic, which oversees the sports of Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined across America. Moving forward, Hinkley will lead all USA Nordic athletic programs with the goal of putting athletes on the podium and maintaining a sustainable athletic pipeline.

Hinkley spent six years on the U.S. Ski Team from 2001-2006 and represented the United States as a Nordic Combined skier in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Over the past four years, Hinkley has served as development director for USA Nordic. He thrived in this role, creating an amazing community, and increasing overall participation in Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined by 24%.

“Jed has proven to be an incredible sport development director, executing against bold goals from growing our sports within regions and clubs to providing more for athletes with exposure to their peers both domestically and internationally,” says USA Nordic Executive Director Bill Demong. “Jed has developed so many great relationships within our staff and community that he is well poised to create further efficiencies and high performance outcomes in this new role overseeing our sports.

There is a certain patriotism to Hinkley’s goals in this new position. “Ultimately, I want to establish the American way of doing things, one that works for our athletes,” he said.

It’s the athletes who inspire Hinkley, and give him reason for hope. “I truly believe we have some amazing athletes who can compete with the best in the world and I think we have only scratched the surface of our potential.” Hinkley will aim to scratch well below that surface in the coming season.

With over 30 clubs and 739 athletes, spread across thirteen states, the United States is the fourth largest nation globally by participation in Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined. Additionally, USA Nordic nominated its largest national team ever for 2021, boasting 47 athletes.