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Ski jumping governing bodies from the United States and Norway have forged an unprecedented partnership.
USA Nordic Sport and Norges Hopplandslaget announced Wednesday that their national ski jumping teams will share coaches, training facilities, sports science data and efforts to attract sponsors as part of a four-year agreement.
The combined team will be led by Norwegian Clas Brede Brathen.
Norway is a traditional power in the sport, leading the world with 12 Olympic golds and 36 medals overall. At the Beijing Games in February, Marius Lindvik of Norway won Olympic gold in ski jumping on the large hill.
"Our mutual goal is to make our sport more relevant and exciting for young women and men around the world," said Tom Bickner, who chairs the Salt Lake City-based USA Nordic Sport board of directors.