Park City, UT (Thursday, January 30, 2003) - Five nordic combined skiers and two jumpers were named Thursday to compete in the nordic World Championships, which open Feb. 18 in Val di Fiemme, Italy, U.S. Nordic Director Luke Bodensteiner announced.

Bodensteiner said selections were based on international results. Alan Alborn (Anchorage, AK; '98, '02 Olympics) and Clint Jones (Steamboat Springs, CO; '02 Olympics) comprise the U.S. jumping squad for the World Championships.

The combined team: Todd Lodwick (Steamboat Springs, CO; '1994, '98, '02 Olympics), Spillane (also Steamboat; '98, '02 Olympics), Jed Hinkley (Andover, NH; '02 Olympics), Carl Van Loan (Webster, NH; '02 Olympics), and Nathan Gerhart (also Steamboat).

"Todd and Johnny are a threat in every competition and we're looking for them to continue their strong results at Worlds," Bodensteiner. "They're big-time performers, no question."