Todd Lodwick, Johnny Spillane in good position for U.S.' first-ever Nordic combined medal

Americans Todd Lodwick and Johnny Spillane are in contention to earn their nation's first-ever medal in the Nordic combined after completing the ski jump portion of the event at Whistler Olympic Park on Sunday morning.

Lodwick, a five-time Olympian, stands in second place and Spillane is in fourth heading into the afternoon's cross-country race.

Both athletes had to overcome equipment problems leading up to the Games.

"I've been here before," Lodwick said. "And it's not something to stress out about."

-- David Wharton in Whistler, Canada

Photo: Todd Lodwick reacts after his jump in the morning part of Sunday's Nordic Combined event. Credit: Elaine Thompson, AP.