Malacinski and Loomis claim USA Nordic National title

The 2023 USA Nordic National Championships took place at the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex and Mt. Van Hoevenberg, as Men’s and Women’s Nordic Combined competed in the HS100 10km and 5km events.

Annika Malacinski placed first overall in the women’s competition, followed by Alexa Brabec in second. Ben Loomis then finished first overall in the men’s competition, with Niklas Malacinski in second and Stephen Schumann in third.

Women’s Nordic Combined HS100/5km National Championship

Starting off at the Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex, Malacinski jumped to 86.0 meters (102.7 points), putting her in first place for the 5km race. Brabec followed with a 76.0 meter jump of her own (79.7 points), putting her in second place and +1:32 behind Malacinski.

Later in the day at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, Malacinski was able to finish first overall in the 5km with a course time of 17:48.0. Brabec came in second, as she recorded the fastest race time of the day during the 5km at 17:09.8.

“I woke up in this morning not knowing if I was going to compete due to an ankle injury that happened a couple of days ago,” said Malacinski. “However, getting to the venue and seeing everyone’s excited faces made me rethink my decision completely. After doing some inruns with my coaches, we decided that I was at least going to take one jump and see how everything was feeling. I was then able to take all four jumps, race in the 5km, and I don’t regret a thing. Lake Placid is an amazing place to come and compete, and I’m eagerly waiting for a Women’s Nordic Combined World Cup to turn up here one day.”

Men’s Nordic Combined HS100/10km National Championship

Starting off with the Ski Jumping portion of the Men’s Nordic Combined HS100/10km National Championship, Loomis was able to record a 89.0 meter jump (112.4 points), to put him in first place for the 10km race. Malacinski was close behind, as he jumped to 90.0 meters (107.5 points), putting him +0:20 behind Loomis in third place. Schumann was then able to jump to 84.5 meters (102.7 points), putting him in fourth place to start the 10km race, +0:39 behind Loomis.

During the 10km race at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, Loomis was able to maintain his lead and finish first overall, with a race time of 24:19.1. Malacinski finished second overall, +00.10.6 behind Loomis with a total time of 24:09.7. After starting the race in the fourth position, Schumann passed Grant Andrews to finish third overall with a race time of 23:54.0, +00:13.9 behind Loomis.

“It was great to show a strong performance today and walk away with the result I was looking for,” said Loomis. “It’s always a privilege being able to compete here in the United States, especially at such amazing facilities. I’m looking forward for more to come here in Lake Placid.”

Text: USA Nordic