Austria revels in Ammann’s absence

The heavily favoured Austrian ski jump team finally found the top of the podium as they claimed gold at the team ski jump event on Monday afternoon at Whistler Olympic Park.

After watching Switzerland’s Simon Ammann win gold in both the individual normal hill and long hill events, Austria’s ski jumping team finally got redemption.

Austria came into the Olympics looking to dominate the podium, with four of the top five jumpers in the World Cup rankings. Only Gregor Schlierenzauer managed to medal, attaining bronze in both events.

It was Schlierenzauer who carried the Austrian team and would save his best for last, landing an Olympic record jump of 146.5m.

With Switzerland not participating in the team event, ski jump phenomenon, Ammann, could not attempt at a record three gold medals for ski jumping in one Olympics.

Taking home the silver was a surprise winner from Germany scoring 1035.8, narrowly finishing ahead of a strong contingent from Norway, scoring 1030.3 to take bronze.

Coming into the event the Canadian team looked to place in the top ten but in the first round that dream wouldn’t be fulfilled as they finished in last scoring only 294.6 points.

To add injury to insult the Canadians had made a bet with the American squad, where the losing team between the two would have to chug a bottle of maple syrup.

“(We) will be wired tonight on sugar,” Team Canada leader Stefan Read joked with the CTV.

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By: umarali
Posted: Feb 22 2010 4:38 pm
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Filed under: Winter Games
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