Sara Takanashi: 'No rivalry with Sarah Hendrickson'

Japanese ski jumper Sara Takanashi has played down talks of a rivalry between her and Sarah Hendrickson of Team USA.

The 17-year-old is said to be the favourite to win the gold medal in the normal hill event on Tuesday, but could face stiff competition from the 19-year-old American.

"It's not really a competition," the Japan Times quotes her as saying. "I'm really glad that Sarah is here. It's a source of motivation."

Hendrickson returned to action on January 11 after being sidelined for five months with knee ligament damage.