Women ski jumpers win equal pay for first time at first womens world cup in USA

Eqaul pay for women ski jumper world cup winners for the first time. Photo: USA Ski Jumping

LAKE PLACID, New York — For the first time in history, a Women’s World Cup ski jumping event was held on U.S. soil, marking a major milestone for the sport. The competition also made history by awarding equal prize money to female athletes for the first time, a significant step toward gender equity in professional ski jumping.

“We’re proud to lead the way in ensuring equal prize money for men and women at the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup in Lake Placid.” Sophie Goldschmidt, president and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard told TownLift. “This is a pivotal moment for gender equity in ski jumping and demonstrates our commitment to recognizing and rewarding all athletes equally for their dedication and achievements. We hope this sets an example and sparks broader changes across the global ski jumping community.” 

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Recent events have highlighted significant gender disparities in women’s ski jumping, particularly concerning prize money. In December 2024, during a World Cup event in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, men’s qualifying winner Jan Hoerl received a cash prize of 3,000 Swiss francs (approximately $3,290), while women’s winner Selina Freitag was awarded a gift bag containing toiletries and towels.

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) defended the discrepancy by stating that women’s ski jumping is a relatively new sport with less spectator interest and marketing revenue, resulting in lower available prize money. This incident has sparked criticism from athletes and advocacy groups, who argue that such disparities are unacceptable and call for equitable treatment and investment to bridge the gender gap in sports.

RESULTS:

On Thurs. in the qualifying round for the following day, Park City’s Paige Jones got 3oth.

Then the next day, Josie Johnson of Park City placed 24th.

1. Slovenia 
2. Germany
3. Germany

Johnson of placed 27th on the following day.

1. Slovenia
2. Norway
3. Canada

Jones was 29th in the qualifying round the day before.

On Fri. in the mixed team event the USA landed in fifth place with Johnson, fellow Parkite Olympian Kevin Bickner, Annika Belshaw, and Tate Frantz.

1. Germany
2. Norway
3. Austria

Also on Fri. Bickner got a mens individual 13th.

1. Norway
2. Austria
3. Austria

Bickner then jumped into a 14th place finish on the final day of competition.

1. Austria
2. Austria
3. Slovenia