01/11、12/2014 World Cup in Sapporo

We went to support Sara on January 12, 2014, the second day (seventh stage) of the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup Ladies 2014 in Sapporo. Just like the previous day, it was snowing during the competition, which was held at the Miyanomori Ski Jump Stadium in Hokkaido (where Sara is from). On the first day, Sara made two steady jumps in the sixth stage, for which she won first place. On the second day, our expectations swelled due to her continually favorable condition—Sara jumped amazing distances from the trial round. In the actual competition her jumps were as fantastic as we had expected! Her first jump was the longest successful jump of the day, while she won the top score and showed off a perfect Telemark form with her second jump, with a lower gate. In this way, she won her sixth individual victory in the World Cup!
I saw ski jumping in person today for the first time, and all I can say is that the jumpers were amazing—they ski straight down an incredibly steep slope and then take off it like a bird. They then touch down on a landing that is quite steep as well (although I hear there is a smaller impact when landing on a slope…) Together with the sounds made during the approach, I felt this is a truly dynamic sport, and I admire Sara and all of the other athletes.
Today there was worry that the competition would be cancelled due to the heavy snow, but the wind was comparatively steady and so the competition went off without a hitch. More than anything, I'm glad that the athletes had an easy time.
Sara, congratulations on your second victory in your home region of Hokkaido!