Erik Renmaelmo replaces Paolo Bernardi, who resigned from this post last week.
Women’s Ski Jumping USA has hired a new traveling coach to work alongside head coach Alan Alborn as the duo leads the world’s top-ranked team into the 2014 World Cup and Olympic Winter Games season.
Alborn, current head coach and athletic program manager, will expand his coaching role in the lead up to the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Alborn, a three-time U.S. Olympic ski jumper himself, has headed the Visa Women’s Ski Jumping Team and the development program at Utah Olympic Park for 2 ½ years.
“Coach Alan already has done an amazing job building up the women’s ski jumping program in the U.S. and we’re honored to see him take this pioneering team all the way to Sochi,” said Robbie Beck, WSJ-USA executive director.
Norwegian Erik Renmaelmo, who starts Dec. 1, will lead the Visa Team as the top traveling coach on the World Cup circuit. He joins WSJ-USA with 13 years of personal ski jumping and coaching experience, most recently as the assistant coach of the Norwegian women’s World Cup team.
“Erik will be a dynamic addition,” said Coach Alborn. “We are fortunate to have this opportunity to welcome him as part of the Visa Team in what will be an historic season.”
Alborn said team members know Renmaelmo well from the World Cup tour, where he’s widely respected for his ability to connect with athletes and his expertise in equipment.
Alborn is based in Park City, Utah, where the Visa Team lives and trains. Renmaelmo is based in Lillehammer, Norway. The World Cup season begins Dec. 6 in Lillehammer.
“Alan and Erik are dedicated and talented coaches. They have our team’s complete trust,” said veteran and 2009 World Champion Lindsey Van.
Renmaelmo replaces Paolo Bernardi, who resigned his post for personal reasons.
“Paolo joins a long list of important people who have made a positive difference to this team. We wish him the best in his new endeavors,” Beck said.