In February, Caleb Zuckerman (U20) of Norwich Vermont, attended his 3rd FIS Nordic Junior World Championships for Nordic Combined in Planica Slovenia (5-11 February, 2024), proudly representing Ford Sayre and Team USA.
Having won all of his domestic qualifiers and placing first in the US Cup series this season, Caleb is currently ranked as the top JuniorNordic Combined athlete in the US.
The week in Planica started with the mixed team event, where Caleb and his teammates Skyler Amy (Alaska), Alexa Brabec (Steamboat) and Kai McKinnon (NYSEF), came in 7th place after skiing past Italy and Slovenia during the cross country portion of the event. Next came the Individual event on the HS 102 meter jump. In high winds and rain, Caleb jumped to 28th place in a deep field of competitors.
The real excitement came in the 10K cross country portion of the event where Caleb had a great race, skiing up to 20th place overall, his best finish so far at Junior Worlds and the top American. It was so exciting to hear them announce the Ford Sayre Ski Club on the World Stage!
In all, it was a successful season of Nordic Combined skiing for Caleb who has been splitting his time skiing with his JNT team and competing in Nordic Combined events. Of note, in March, Caleb competed for Team New England at the 2024 Cross Country Junior Nationals that took place in Lake Placid (March 11-16).