(February 16, 2025) – The Junior World Championships in Lake Placid, NY, saw an unforgettable week for the U.S. juniors, with athletes delivering standout performances on the HS100 hill. With multiple events packed into the competition schedule, the team put on an impressive display, earning historic podium finishes and personal bests along the way.
The competition kicked off with the individual events, where the U.S. women set the tone for the week. Josie Johnson led the way with a 13th-place finish, putting together a strong performance. Sandra Sproch followed closely behind, securing 17th place in an impressive showing. Estella Hassick finished 37th, while Kaija Copenhaver, making her Junior World Championships debut, gained valuable experience and finished 43rd.
On the men’s side, Tate Frantz delivered one of the biggest moments of the competition, landing on the podium in 2nd place—a remarkable result, especially on his home hill. His finish marked the second consecutive year that a U.S. male ski jumper reached the podium at Junior Worlds. Jason Colby also had a standout day, cracking the Top 10 with a 9th-place finish. Henry Loher, competing in his first Junior Worlds, finished 21st, securing a Top-30 result in his debut appearance. Bryce Kloc rounded out the American results in 40th place.
As the week progressed, the team events provided excitement as well. In a historic moment, Frantz, Colby, Loher, and Kloc became the first U.S. men’s team ever to reach the podium in a team event, finishing 3rd and solidifying their place in the record books. Meanwhile, the women’s team of Johnson, Sproch, Hassick, and Copenhaver also put in a strong effort, finishing in 7th place.
The final event of the competition, the Mixed Team Event, added yet another historic milestone for the U.S. Featuring Frantz, Colby, Johnson, and Sproch, the team delivered a performance to remember, securing a 2nd-place finish. This marked the first time the U.S. has ever reached the podium in a Mixed Team event, following up on the historic men’s team podium finish from the previous day.
With multiple podium finishes, personal bests, and historic firsts, the 2025 Junior World Championships will be remembered as a breakthrough moment for U.S. ski jumping. The team’s performances in Lake Placid showcased their potential, setting the stage for an exciting future on the international stage.
