U.S. Jumper Second -- Twice

U.S. ski jumper Jessica Jerome finished second in two Continental Cup competitions in Lillehammer, Norway, this weekend.

"It's two of my best results in my entire life, but in both instances I could have won. I know that it's possible and that gets me really fired up," Jerome said. "I had a really good first jump today and on the second jump I missed the takeoff and I knew it right away, but I'm excited."

On Saturday, Jerome was second to Alissa Johnson. Ulrike Graessler of Germany was third. American Lindsey Van, coming off knee surgery, was fourth, and Avery Ardovino was sixth.

On Sunday, Jerome was second to Norway's Line Jahr. Anette Sagen, also of Norway, was third. Ardovino was sixth and Van seventh.

The U.S. team heads to Oberstdorf, Germany for Continental Cups on Sept. 26 and 27.