Simon Ammann wins gold to become the king of the hill

Swiss ski jumper Simon Ammann added to his Olympic gold collection, winning his second gold of the Games in the long hill individual ski jump event at Whistler Olympic Pack, Saturday.

Ammann came into the competition a heavy favourite and needed gold to be crowned the most successful Olympic ski jumper.

With his first jump of 144.7 total points, the Swiss held a seven point advantage over the silver medalist in the normal hill event, Adam Malysz of Poland. In the second jump Ammann would score 138.9, bringing his total to 283.6, maintaining his lead and carrying himself to a historic performance.

The podium would show no disparity as the medalist from the normal hill event would claim the same medals once again.

Malysz, also known as the “Polish Batman,” won silver with a total score of 269.4, while Austrian Gregor Schilierenzauer scored 262.2 total points to take home the bronze.

Edmonton, Alberta native, Stefan Read was the only Canadian eligible. After a disappointing jump in round one, Read would not make the cut for the final round, scoring just 71.6 total point.

Though the individual competition concluded the team event begins on Monday at 1PM EST, with the final round scheduled for 2PM EST.

Coming into the event the Austrian team looks to be the heavy favourites with four competitors finishing in the top ten on Saturday afternoon. They will have to hold off strong contingents from Norway and Finland to take home the gold.

Canada will have a group of young jumpers headlined by Read, Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes and the youngest Olympic competitor at these games, Eric Mitchell, with hopes of making a top ten finish.

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By: Umar Ali
Posted: Feb 20 2010 4:50 pm
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Filed under: Winter Games
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