Schoonmaker Sixth in Final Individual Sprint of Season
In a thrilling night sprint under the lights in Lahti, Finland, JC Schoonmaker delivered for the final individual sprint of the season, crossing the finish line in sixth. Schoonmaker's result made it another strong day for the Americans, with eight in the top 30 and four in the top 15.
Schoonmaker led a strong contingent of American skiers as eight U.S. athletes advanced to the sprint heats—five men and three women. The men’s squad featured Schoonmaker, Gus Schumacher, Ben Ogden, Jack Young and Kevin Bolger, while Jessie Diggins, Julia Kern and Sammy Smith represented the women. Four Americans cracked the top 15, with Schumacher taking 12th, Kern 13th and Diggins 15th. Smith finished 25th, Ogden 19th, Bolger 20th and Young 30th.
"I feel proud of how I raced this season. It was the best preparation period for me before the season, so I’m happy to come out with some good racing, given the circumstances. I feel that I was able to learn a lot and gain more experience, which makes me extra motivated for next year."
"Today was variable, including the snow conditions. My body felt good, but my tactics didn’t go as planned. The times were really tight today, and the course was causing a lot of jam-ups and scrappy skiing. I’m proud I had a good start, and for trying to make moves out there and adjust my plan, but it wasn’t quite enough. Sprinting can be so fun but also requires a little luck. Today, I learn from my mistakes for next time."
The night belonged to Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who claimed his 16th consecutive sprint victory and secured the FIS Sprint Crystal Globe. On the women’s side, Finland’s Jasmi Joensuu earned the sprint win in front of a home crowd. Ben Ogden and Jessie Diggins ended the season in seventh place overall in the sprint standings, capping off another strong year for U.S. cross country skiing.
“It was a really cool atmosphere today – the lights were super bright; the crowd was amazing and I am super grateful to everyone for the love. This was maybe the only race of the year where there was no pressure, no points – I was just going out there racing for me, because I love it, and because it was fun! And I did have a ton of fun out there."
Schoonmaker’s breakthrough performance in Lahti adds momentum to the U.S. team as the season winds down, with just two races left: the team sprint tomorrow, March 22, and the 50k classic on Sunday, March 23.