Johanne Kolstad and Hilda “Nusse” Braskeruds of Norway, pioneers of women’s ski jumping in the 1930s.
Kolstad (left) toured the U.S. for five years in the mid-1930’s jumping at exhibitions. She was popular with fans and known as The Queen of Skis (or Skies) or The Wonder Girl. Her 1938 world record jump of 72 meters at Berlin, New Hampshire remained unbroken until 1972.
All vintage photos from the book Hopp, Jenter- Hopp! (Jump, Girls, Jump!) by Karin Berg.
Sara Takanshi of Japan in flight off the normal hill at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Photo: AP/ Matthias Schrader
February 11, 2014 – Carina Vogt of Germany earned the first-ever Olympic gold medal awarded for women’s ski jumping. Photo: AP/ Matthias Schrader
Daniela Iraschko-Stolz of Austria flies over the Olympic rings. Photo: AP/ Matthias Schrader
Finally! It seems crazy that this is a landmark in 2014 – but given that gender inequality has plagued ski jumping at the Olympic level – there is reason for celebration with the Sochi Winter Games. The U.S. Women’s team — lead by World Champion Lindsey Van, Sarah Hendrickson and Jessica Jerome – has tirelessly fought for the inclusion of women’s ski jumping in the Olympics. Tuesday, that became a reality.
