WinterSports2002.com, Monday, February 18, 2002

Nordic combined: Painfully close

By Jason Swensen
Deseret News Olympic specialist

SOLDIER HOLLOW — Todd Lodwick collapsed after finishing his opening relay leg of Sunday's nordic combined cross country race. Sure, Team USA's leader was exhausted from the grueling, quick paced five kilometer race — but the weight of heavy hopes may have ultimately leveled Lodwick.

For four years Lodwick and the other members of the four-man American nordic combined team have been asked if 2002 would be THE year — the home Games where Team USA would win its first Olympic nordic combined medal and introduce the nation to the obscure sport that blends ski jumping and cross country skiing.

After securing third place in Saturday's jumping segment, the Yanks seemed ready to answer yes going into Sunday's 4x5K relay. But as Jazz fans know too well, being close never guarantees titles or medals. On Sunday, Team USA finished a historic fourth — yet still a painful spot removed from the elusive podium.

"It's the best result we've ever had, but we wanted way more," said Lodwick, choking back emotion.

Finland again showed why it is the class of nordic combined by winning the team gold medal. Team Germany used zippy skis to move past the Americans and Austria en route to the silver. Austria — which began the cross country relay in second place — held on to the bronze.

International nordic combined fans likely marvel at the quick progress the Americans have made. Remember, Team USA finished last in the Olympic team competition just four years ago in Nagano. And U.S. ski officials say the nordic combined team is helping making America a nordic power. Yet the 2002 team found small consolation Sunday with "best ever" results or moral victories.

"Today our focus was a little bit higher; we were looking for something bronze or silver in color," said American Bill Demong.

Finland seemed all but uncatchable Sunday after dominating the Saturday jumping segment. Their superior leaps earned them a 44-second head start in front of second place Austria. Still, the Finns were pressed and had to hold off a charging Germany at the finish line, crossing just seconds ahead.

"It was a hard race . . . but we're obviously very happy with the results," said Finland's anchor Samppa Lajunen, who won individual gold a week ago.

Lodwick started hard on the Soldier Hollow 5K course but was soon pressed by young Bjoern Kircheisen of Germany, one of the sport's future stars.

"After three kilometers I realized Todd was getting tired," Kircheisen said. "I knew I had a lot of strength left and went full speed ahead."

Kircheisen passed Lodwick in the final meters of the relay's opening leg and Team USA was never able to mount a sustained challenge for the remainder of the race despite sub-12-minute legs from both Demong and Matt Dayton.

"This group will learn from this, and we will take another step forward," said U.S. coach Tom Steitz.

E-MAIL: jswensen@desnews.com

© 2002 Deseret News Publishing Company