Female ski jumpers are taking their place on the hill

Jessica Jerome skis down the jump chute at a team training event at Utah Olympic Park on Dec. 26. Jerome recently secured a spot at the 2014 Sochi Games by winning the American team trials.

Jessica Jerome skis down the jump chute at a team training event at Utah Olympic Park on Dec. 26. Jerome recently secured a spot at the 2014 Sochi Games by winning the American team trials.  (Gene Sweeney Jr. / Getty Images)

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Though ski jumping’s first female competitors are considered pioneers in the sport, their first goal is simple: Go farther.

Takeoff

Jessica Jerome launches through the air during the Women’s Ski Jumping HS106 Trial Round at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships on Feb. 22 in Val di Fiemme, Italy.  (Mike Hewitt / Getty Images)

Abby Hughes

Abby Hughes competes in the qualification jump of the Ski Jumping HS108 on Dec. 22 in Hinterzarten, Germany.  (Simon Hofmann / Getty Images)

Alissa Johnson

Alissa Johnson aims to qualify for an event in the Hinterzarten World Cup.  (Simon Hofmann / Getty Images)

Nina Lussi

Nina Lussi competes in the qualification jump of a World Cup event on Dec. 22 in Hinterzarten, Germany.   (Simon Hofmann / Getty Images)

Sarah Hendrickson and Lindsey Van

After winning an event at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Italy last February, U.S. competitor Sarah Hendrickson, left, ceberates with teammate Lindsey Van.  (Alexander Hassenstein / Getty Images)

Preparation

Sarah Hendrickson prepares with coach Paolo Bernardi ahead of a World Cup event Jan. 13 in Titisee-Neustadt, Germany. Last season, at 18, Hendrickson won nine of 13 World Cup events.  (Alex Grimm / Getty Images)

Female ski jumpers

U.S. women’s team members Nina Lussi, left, Jessica Jerome, Alissa Johnson, Abby Hughes, Sarah Hendrickson and Lindsey Van pose on Dec. 15, 2012, in Ramsau, Austria.  (Stanko Gruden / Getty Images)