Winter Olympics Won’t Interfere With Eau Claire Ski Competition

The winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, will not interfere with two national ski jumping events being held this month in Wisconsin.

Despite next month’s Olympic games, competitors from around the world are still heading to Wisconsin this month for part of the U.S. Cup Five Hills Tournament. On Friday night, they’ll take flight at the 128th annual Silver Mine Invitational in Eau Claire.

Paul Jastrow, Eau Claire Ski Club member and chief of Friday night’s competition, said the relentless training that goes on before the Winter Olympics will not keep athletes from this year’s tourney.

“The Olympics is more of a World Cup-level ski jumper and athlete (event),” said Jastrow. “We usually draw in about two or three levels lower than that. So, all the Olympic skiers are out doing World Cup events while these are more the club divisional national event.”

Jastrow said a local ski jumping star will not be in Eau Claire on Friday night. Ben Loomis, who holds the hill’s record for a 326-foot jump in 2012, is now competing in the Junior World Cup, held in Italy. Another local star, Nick Mattoon, who is being groomed by the USA Ski Jumping team, will compete Friday night.

Jastrow said the Silver Mine Invitational is a longstanding tradition in Eau Claire, with thousands attending each year. Speaking from the hill, he said they’re ready.

“Right now, everything is pretty good to go,” he said.

This year’s invitational will feature jumpers from Finland, Norway, Slovenia, Canada and the U.S. The athletes then head to Minneapolis and Westby for the third and fourth rounds of the U.S. Cup. The final event will be held in Ishpeming, Mich.