Ski Olympic News Today

A strong finish by an athlete better known for jumping than skiing secures Japan third place in the Beijing Olympic Nordic combined relay in the nations first podium finish in the event since winning gold in 1992 and 1994.

Two-time silver medalist Akito Watabes chance of claiming a first Olympic gold is in jeopardy after his jump left him tied for ninth place going into the cross-country phase of the normal hill individual Nordic combined event at the Beijing Games.

In a sport traditionally dominated by long-legged northern Europeans, Japanese Nordic combined skier Akito Watabe has bucked the trend on his way to two straight Olympic silver medals.

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