(Photo Credit – Ben Pieper Photography : Point Productions, LLC)
Nina Lussi entered this season with a focused attitude and a Nationals title at the Flaming Leaves in Lake Placid, NY highlighting her commitment to training and her elevated prowess on the ski jump.
She has led the US domestically and abroad on many occasions this season and the Olympic trials seemed like a perfect opportunity to vie for a berth on a very competitive USA Nordic women’s ski jumping team for the upcoming games in Pyeongchang, Korea.
Lussi, as many observed on national television, jumped very well but in the second round of Sunday’s Olympic Trials in Park City, Utah suffered a fall. While the fans gasped and leaned to see if she would regain her feet those at home saw it play out clearly that she was not getting up.
The patrol at the Utah Olympic Park was very quick to respond, helping her into a sled and out of the outrun of the HS98 meter hill. This left fans and friends left to wonder how was she doing?
Lussi, a 23 year old of Lake Placid, NY soon learned that she had torn her ACL and suffered other damage that would require surgical care and a road to recovery beyond the horizon of the upcoming games. Despite all that transpired Lussi had the following to share, “I am proud of what I have accomplished leading up to this Olympic season (and) I proved that I am ready.”
While admitting, “I am heartbroken and would have been so proud to represent the United States in Pyeongchang.” She also added that, “Hard work pays off and I will use this focus and drive to invest it in my future in the sport of ski jumping.”
USA Nordic Executive Director, Billy Demong, added “I’ve known Nina since she first began in the sport. In addition to passing down equipment to her I’ve watched her really develop as a competitor this year and was looking forward to seeing how she could help push the level of our team.”
He added, “It is with great sadness that her teammates and our whole organization accept that her dreams for this season are at an end. However, we are all inspired by her look to the future and how she can turn what has taken her this far and help propel herself and her teammates into the future.”
“It was really unfortunate,” said Head Women’s Coach Alan Alborn. “Nina was performing better and better; my heart definitely goes out to her.”
Nina has expressed that she is really feeling comforted by all the people who are sending her well wishes. If you feel the desire, please send yours to her facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/nina.lussi/
7 Comments
Nina, we have followed your progress over the years through my connection via Icelandic horses and your mom, and my family’s strong nordic ties. We so looked forward to watching you this past weekend and are proud of all you and your teammates have done as athletes to promote women’s ski jumping worldwide. Bravo to you, brave courageous athlete- NEVER give up, you will be back. We will be looking for you in the results ahead. Heal well.
(From a follower you don’t even know!)
So sorry Nina yet so proud of you! Your an amazing athlete that will put this behind you an continue to strive toward excellence. The north country loves you! Speedy recovery and some warm kiting for rehab.
Nina you know the Findlay’s have been rooting for you since this all began!! I am sure you’ll bounce back quickly ….. God Speed !! ❤️
You make me proud. Recover and get back to your form.
Sincerely,
Frank Johns
Heartbroken for you Nina. Heartbroken for the US women’s team. You will come back and represent the US again and we are so proud that you come from Lake Placid!
Wishing you speedy recovery. Met your mom at Thor Icelandics and have enjoyed her posts about you. We have admired your courage and compassion to fly with skis!
Get well soon, Nina.