Ski Jumping

Swiss ski jumper Simon Ammann has won the 2009 summer Grand Prix with a lead of 140 points over his closest rival, after the most recent event held in Hakuba, Japan. Ammann became the first Swiss skier to win the title.

The ski jumping summer Grand Prix is a precursor to the World Cup circuit each year. Though one more event remains, Ammann has scored enough points to mathematically secure the title.

Though events have been attended by many of the top World Cup competitors, World Cup champion Austrian Gregor Schlierenzauer has been absent, as has the Norwegian team.

For the past four years, the winner of the Grand Prix has gone on to win the World Cup title. For Ammann, who finished second in the 2008-2009 World Cup standings, the victory isn't totally satisfying.

"I only achieved some of my goals here in Hakuba. Whilst I did secure the overall title in the FIS Grand Prix as the first Swiss to do so, my jumps here were not good enough. There is still some work to do until the FIS World Cup begins in Kuusamo," said Ammann.

Athletes have one more stop on the summer Grand Prix circuit, in Klingenthal, Germany, slated for Oct. 3, 2009.

During Saturday's event, Canadian Stefan Read finished 48th. On Sunday, Canadians Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes and Read finished 41st and 42nd respectively.