Ski Racing - November 21, 2011

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turned in three top- 15 World Cup results but suffered from the same affliction that plagued the U.S. women’s tech team last year — flashes of brilliance but few solid two-run days. Two silver medals at U.S. Nationals provided enough motivation for the mom of a 3-year- old to saddle back up yet again this year.

First Person: “I feel like we have a lot of direction on our team right now, and I like working with my coaches, and I think it’s going to be a great year. I know I can still ski at a top level; I was on my way to a podium once last year when I hooked a tip five gates from the finish. That is one of my goals, to get on the podium as a mom. My slalom has always been really fast and it clicked again last year so I hope to keep that rolling. For me, my passion comes down to the basics of skiing, and being out on the mountain in fresh air, carving turns and trying to go fast. I love competing in anything I do, so to be able to do that on a daily basis is kind of a dream. I’m naturally self-motivated and a super-hard worker.”

Leanne Smith Hometown: North Conway, N.H. Team Years: 5 Club: Mount Washington Valley Ski Team, University of New Hampshire School: Westminster College Equipment: Rossignol, Lange, Shred, Swix Sponsors: H2O Overdrive Catch Up: Smith got plenty com-

fortable in the World Cup points last season, and finished ranked in the top 20 in both super G and combined. A pair of top- 10 World Cup results and a silver medal in the super G at U.S. Nationals made it her best season to date.

First Person: “Last season, overall, went pretty well for me. I got a lot more consistent after World Championships and hopefully I can take that mentality with some improved skiing into the start of this season. This prep period, I’ve been working on my technique, mostly at the top of the turn. I focus between driving on the boot as early as I can and concentrating on my inside-arm position at the start of the turn. My goal is to keep pushing my technique and feeling so I can keep moving up toward the top in World Cup rankings. I’m really looking forward to the kickoff of this year in Lake Louise; it’s nice to be in North America to start the speed season and to know that there is a whole lot of racing left. I’m also pretty excited to visit Sochi and check out the new Olympic venue.”

Lindsey Vonn Hometown: Vail, Colo.

Team Years: 11

Club: Ski & Snowboard Club Vail/ Buck Hill

School: Independent study ( Missouri)

Equipment: Head, Briko, Leki, Oakley

Sponsors: Red Bull, Vail Resorts, Under Armour, Rolex, Jet Set Catch Up: The most decorated racer in U.S. history came within three points of claiming her fourth consecutive World Cup overall title last season — she had to “settle” for three discipline titles and a World Championship bronze medal. Her GS win at Soelden last month blew open the doors for her to conquer her last remaining weakness this season.

First Person: “I worked really hard this summer and feel like I made progress, especially in GS and slalom. I spent a lot of time in New Zealand trying to get those two events going. I feel like I’m more prepared this season. I feel that by not really taking fitness time off, I feel like I’m in a better place than last year and am more confident at this point of the season. The dynamic on the team right now is really great; everyone is meshing well; everyone got great results last year.”

B Team

Hailey Duke Hometown: Boise, Idaho

Team Years: 5

Club: Park City Ski Team, McCall Ski Team

School: Westminster College Equipment: Atomic, Uvex, Swix Catch Up: A shoulder injury forced Duke to pull out of a lackluster season in which she failed to see a World Cup second run. She underwent surgery in February and is looking to get back to the World Cup top- 10 shape she found in

2009.

First Person: “It was not an easy decision to stop last season early, but I knew it was what needed to be done. My goal is to be ready and at 100 percent going into this season. I have very high goals for myself for the 2012 season.” “I know that sometimes I need to take a step back to make a leap forward and that is what I am doing.”