WinterSports2002.com, Wednesday, February 20, 2002

Finnish skier looking for a '3-sweep'

By Jason Swensen
Deseret News staff writer

Finland's Samppa Lajunen will be looking for a historic "three-sweep" Thursday in the nordic combined sprint event after winning Olympic gold in both the individual and team competitions.

Expect the Finn to be challenged in the sprint by nordic combined's other behemoths, Austria's Felix Gottwald and Ronny Ackermann of Germany. Team USA's Todd Lodwick is always a podium contender — but Lodwick may still be suffering after Sunday's disappointing fourth-place finish in the team event.

The jumping segment will take place Thursday at 10:30 a.m. on the K120 hill at Utah Olympic Park. Friday's 7.5-kilometer cross country race at Soldier Hollow begins at 10 a.m.

© 2002 Deseret News Publishing Company