Jessica Jerome first American to qualify for Olympic women’s ski jumping

Maybe Jessica Jerome will finally realize what she has done come Monday morning.

Jerome won the U.S. Olympic team trials in women’s ski jumping over the weekend, qualifying to represent America as her sport makes its debut at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games.

“It’s pretty surreal,” Jerome said on Sunday. “I’m glad I can take a breath now and focus on training to prepare for Sochi.”

The U.S. is expected to have as many as four spots in Russia, so additional Americans can still qualify.

Veterans Lindsey Van, Alissa Johnson and Abby Hughes finished behind Jerome. Sarah Hendrickson, who ranks among the top female jumpers in the world, is hoping to recover from knee surgery in time for the Olympics.

The remainder of the U.S. team will be named Jan. 22.

“It sounds cliché, but it is a dream come true and I can’t wait to go and represent my country,” Jerome said.

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