Steve Collins (ski jumper) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Steve Collins |
|
|---|---|
| Country |  Canada |
| Born | 13 March 1964 Thunder Bay, Canada |
| Personal best | 172 m (564 ft) Harrachov, 28-29 March 1980 |
| World Cup career | |
| Seasons | 1980–1986 1988 1991–1992 |
| Individual wins | 1 |
| Indiv. podiums | 3 |
| Indiv. starts | 63 |
| Updated on 10 February 2016. | |
Steve Collins was born on March 13, 1964, in Thunder Bay, Canada. He is a Canadian former ski jumper who was very successful in the 1980s. He became well-known for his amazing jumps and helped put Canada on the map in the world of ski jumping.
Contents
Steve's Ski Jumping Journey
Steve started his professional ski jumping career in the World Cup series on December 27, 1979. His very first event was in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, where he finished in 10th place. Just a few days later, he competed in Germany.
Early Success and Awards
In 1980, Steve achieved a big win at the FIS Junior World Ski Championships in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. This showed everyone he was a rising star! That same year, he won the national Tom Longboat Award. This award celebrates Indigenous athletes in Canada who have made great contributions to sports.
Steve also set a record on December 15, 1980. He made the longest jump ever on a 90-meter hill, reaching 128.5 meters at Big Thunder in his hometown of Thunder Bay.
Canadian Ski Jumping Stars
Steve Collins, along with his teammate Horst Bulau, helped Canada become a strong competitor in ski jumping. Before them, European athletes usually dominated the sport. Steve left the World Cup circuit in 1988, but he returned for a few more competitions in 1990 and 1991, finishing his World Cup career in his home city of Thunder Bay.
World Cup Highlights
Steve Collins had some impressive moments during his time in the World Cup. He often placed well in the overall standings.
Top Finishes
Steve's best overall World Cup season was in 1979/80, where he finished 12th. He also had a strong 15th place finish in the 1980/81 season and 20th place in 1985/86.
Memorable Wins and Podiums
Steve won one World Cup event. This big win happened on March 9, 1980, in Lahti, Finland, on the Salpausselkä K113 hill.
He also earned two third-place finishes (podiums) during his career:
- On February 21, 1981, he placed third in Thunder Bay, Canada, on the K-90 hill.
- On December 15, 1985, he finished third in Lake Placid, USA, on the MacKenzie Intervale K86 hill.
Olympic Games
Steve Collins represented Canada in three Winter Olympic Games.
| Year | Location | Rank (Normal Hill) | Rank (Large Hill) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Lake Placid | 28 | 9 |
| 1984 | Sarajevo | 25 | 36 |
| 1988 | Calgary | 13 | 35 |
