Fruits of victory

Ammann enjoys thrill of gold, now turns to K120

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- First he won the gold. Then he relished his first hamburger and muffin in months. Dozens of interviews followed. It was a long night for Simon Ammann, but shortly after dawn he was back on the ski jumping hill.

And looking good.

The 20-year-old Swiss captured won the K90 hill Sunday to surprise himself and everyone else. Early Monday, he started practicing for the K120 competition and promptly had the longest and second-longest jumps in the first two series.

"It was quite normal again, the jump was good," Ammann said after landing 123.5 meters in the first practice series.

Only Poland's Adam Malysz, the K90 bronze medalist, did better. He soared 130 meters, the top distance throughout the three practice jumps.

Ammann replied with 127.5 in the second series to end the practice day in second place.

The boyish-looking Ammann celebrated the gold medal with a hamburger and a muffin, the first he's had since the start of the season. Ski jumpers have to keep their weight down.

Ammann said he got little rest after his unexpected victory Monday.

"I kept on reliving the event. I still can't believe that I am an Olympic champion. Today, I was tired after two jumps," he said.

Buoyed by his victory, Ammann is now the favorite for the 120-meter hill event Wednesday.

"I am actually better on the large hill," he said.

Sven Hannawald of Germany, who had to settle for the 90K silver, is against expected to challenge for the gold.

Hannawald earlier this season became the first ski jumper in history to sweep the Four Hills tour.

Even though he missed out on the gold, Hannawald said he celebrated the silver -- with a beer.

"At the Olympics, the color is not important, the main thing is to win a medal," Hannawald said. "If it goes on like this, I would be very happy."

While Ammann practiced, Hannawald took a day off and enjoyed the sunny weather.

German coaches thought it would be better for him to rest than to practice.

 

Related information
Stories
Swiss Ammann wins K90 ski jumping gold
Multimedia
Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call your cable operator or DirecTV.