Annika Belshaw has jumped the farthest distance of any American woman ski jumper.

In the process, she also became the first American women to compete in a Ski Flying World Cup event.

“Ski flying has been a bucket list event for me the past few years,” said Belshaw. “So not only did I get to do something I’ve wanted to do for awhile, but I broke a record held by someone I look up to.”

Belshaw’s top 196 meter jump during the Women’s Flying Hill HS 240 qualification round on March 22 in Vikersund, Norway surpassed trailblazer Lindsey Van and set the high water mark. She also had another 174 meter jump during the March 20 qualification round. She did not advance to the final round on either day.

Both competitions were won by Eirin Maria Kvandal of Norway. She jumped 218 and 223 meters on Saturday; and 231.5 meters on Sunday.

Women’s inclusion

The competition is only the second instance that women have been allowed to compete in ski flying events.

The prior season, 15 of the top women’s ski jumpers were invited to a truncated competition. Belshaw was not included. Her omission stoked her desire.

“After not making it last year, it became a really big goal for me,” said Belshaw. “It was honestly a dream come true.”

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation did not allow women to compete in ski flying prior to last season.

“Ski flying was declared too dangerous for women to compete in,” said Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Ski Jumping Head Coach Karl Denney. “The last two years have shown that women are more than capable and should be given the credit they are due.”

New heights

Belshaw is setting her sights on expanding the record beyond 200 meters.

“The next benchmark is 200 meters,” said Belshaw. “I know I can get there I just need to spend more time on a ski flying hill.”

Jumping from a ski flying hill is different than ski jumping off a normal or large hill.

“The feeling of ski flying is different. A jumper can easily add 50 to 60 meters to their regular jumps,” explained Denney. “There is so much more time to spread wings and Annika did so well for having almost no experience on a ski flying hill.”

Ski flying capped a memorable season for Belshaw. She had her best overall World Cup season finishing 27th and even placed as high as seventh in an event. In February, she represented the United States in Milan Cortina. She placed 21 in the women’s normal hill and seventh in mixed team jumping events.

“Ski flying was a fantastic way to end the season,” said Belshaw. “It’s motivating me for next season and I hope to get more time on the hill and push myself further.”