U.S. Ski Team News - General

PC Conferencing Named USSA Supplier

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 MST

LAKEWOOD, CO (Feb. 17) - PC Conferencing, Inc., a leading provider of Web conferencing and business collaboration services, has been named the official audio, Web and video conferencing service provider to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA). The announcement was made by USSA President and CEO Bill Marolt as the organization’s athletes compete in the Feb. 12-28 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

Through the use of PC Conferencing’s Web conferencing and collaboration tools, the USSA will provide ongoing opportunities for its clubs, coaches, officials and athletes to develop and nurture its communication networks throughout the year. PC Conferencing’s services will range from audio, Web, and video conferences with clubs to management of daily meetings with key Team officials and other stakeholders across the wide expanse of Olympic venues.

The USSA has been doing business with PC Conferencing since 2006, and chose the Colorado-based company as the official service provider based on its understanding of its audience and the technology’s reliability and ease of use.

"Our partnership with PC Conferencing supports our goal to bolster athletic excellence through communications and building strong partnerships," said Marolt. "The easy-to-use collaboration tools provided by PC Conferencing will help diminish the limitations of time and space throughout USSA’s operations, and allow us to communicate more efficiently."

Sports organizations have seen unprecedented growth in the number of fans who want to connect with athletes. USSA’s various stakeholder communities will have the opportunity to come together in online forums designed to facilitate interaction and collaboration. The interactive forums will be communication hubs used for managing and coordinating official USSA business, according to PC Conferencing President and CEO Kevin Ward.

"We see great opportunity for both organizations to work together to provide vibrant networks between athletes, fans, sports enthusiasts and the winter sports industry as a whole," said Ward. "With this technology, we’ll be helping USSA toward its goal of bringing athletes to their full potential by connecting them on a personal level with the fans and donors who support them."

About PC Conferencing, Inc.
PC Conferencing, based in Lakewood, CO, founded by ski racers in 2001, provides simple, affordable and reliable ways to connect people. Through easy-to-use collaboration tools, intuitive audio and web conferencing, small and large audiences alike can communicate and collaborate effectively. This service is fast becoming useful for any organization or group that relies on real-time communication among members and audiences.

Get more information or contact them through their website www.pcconf.com or at 800-839-9976.

About the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association
The U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding are governed by the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, the national governing body for Olympic skiing and snowboarding. The century old organization manages year-round nationwide development and elite programs, including the national teams, in six distinctly different Olympic sports: alpine, cross country, freestyle, nordic combined, ski jumping and snowboarding, as well as two Paralympic sports - adaptive alpine and adaptive cross country. USSA is based in Park City, Utah. For more information about the Teams, visit www.usskiteam.com or www.ussnowboarding.com.

Jimmie Heuga Honored at Daytona 500

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:00:00 MST

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Feb. 13) - Roush Fenway's race cars will each carry a special decal honoring the life and cause of Olympic medalist alpine skier and multiple sclerosis (MS) advocate, Jimmie Heuga, in this Sunday's Daytona 500 race at Daytona International Speedway. Heuga passed away Monday at the age of 66 in CO; 46 years to the day that he won his bronze medal in the 1964 Winter Olympics.

Heuga, a college skiing teammate of Roush Fenway President Geoff Smith at the University of Colorado is also remembered for founding 'Can Do Multiple Sclerosis' (formerly The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis) a national nonprofit organization that has served as a leading provider of innovative lifestyle empowerment programs for people with MS and their support partners.

"Jimmie was one of strongest willed and toughest competitors that you will ever meet," said Smith. "He was able to take that competitive tenacity and use it in his battle against MS. He never backed down from the disease and in turn was able to do great work empowering other people impacted by multiple sclerosis. His contributions will not be forgotten and it is an honor to be able to remember Jimmie and help continue his cause by this small gesture."

Heuga became one of the first two Americans - along with teammate Billy Kidd - to win an Olympic medal in Alpine skiing.

He was diagnosed with MS in 1970 at the age of 26, but refused to succumb to the neurological disease. He instead became a champion for others suffering from the disease, and his campaign to demonstrate that MS did not necessarily mean a life of inactivity is credited with helping to change the mindset about MS and exercise.

"This is a very sad week," said Can Do CEO Kim Sharkey. "But with this opportunity of being part of the Roush Fenway Racing organization participating in the Great American Race - the Daytona 500 - it's exciting for our organization and partners. Jimmie would be proud of this and thankful for his friendship with Geoff Smith."

For more information on the 'Can Do Multiple Sclerosis' organization, visit www.mscando.org.

Thule Named Official Team Supplier

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 00:00:00 MST

SEYMOUR, CT (Feb. 8) – Thule, a world leader in transportation accessories, has been named as the official automobile rack and cargo supplier to the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding. Thule will provide base racks, ski carriers and cargo boxes to the teams.

"Much like the athletes of the U.S Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding, Thule racks go through an extensive series of test to make sure they are some of the strongest products on the market. We are proud to support the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding as they make their journey to the Olympic Games in Vancouver," remarked Tripp Wyckoff, vice president of sales, marketing and service for Thule.

Thule has designed a special roof box for the U.S. Ski Team. The unique white Thule Atlantis 1800 roof box with large U.S. Ski Team logos on the front and rear will be utilized on the roofs of a dozen U.S. Ski Team vehicles to carry skis and cargo to races.

"We are very excited to have Thule as a supplier to our programs. The Thule brand has always been associated with quality and innovative products and these products are just what our athletes need, " commented Lisa Rasmussen, director of sales/marketing/licensing for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association.

About Thule Inc.
Thule Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary within the Thule Group. It is the leading US manufacturer of transportation accessories with production sites in Seymour, Ct, Chicago, IL, Perry, FL and Thomasville, GA. Thule’s extensive product line features multi-purpose roof racks, roof top boxes, rear mount racks, truck boxes, side steps and accessories for transporting and organizing outdoor equipment (Thule) and professional contractor equipment (UWS) and recreational vehicles. For more information visit www.thuleracks.com.

About the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding
The U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding are a part of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, the national governing body of Olympic skiing. The century-old organization manages year-round nationwide development and elite programs, fields and maintains teams of world-class athletes for national and international competition, including the Olympic Games. With the vision to be the best in the world in Olympic skiing and snowboarding, the Team coordinates nationwide development and elite programs in six distinctly different Olympic sports: alpine, cross country, freestyle, nordic combined, ski jumping and snowboarding, as well as Paralympic sports of adaptive alpine and adaptive cross country.

Under Armour Honored for Vonn Ads

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 MST

DENVER (Jan. 29) – U.S. Ski Team supplier Under Armour (NYSE:UA) was honored Friday as recipient of the seventh Doc DesRoches Award. The recognition is made annually by SnowSports Industries America and the U.S. Ski Team to recognize an SIA member and Team supplier for its promotion of the Team's brand and athletes. The award was presented at the SIA Snow Show in Denver.

Under Armour was recognized for the national print and TV campaign around World Champion Lindsey Vonn. The two-time overall World Cup champion Vonn appeared in magazine ads as well as in a national TV spot with Under Armour and Dick's Sporting Goods.

"Under Armour's initiative to promote its partnership with the U.S. Ski Team has greatly expanded awareness of our sport," said U.S. Ski Team President and CEO Bill Marolt. "Our equipment suppliers, like Under Armour, play a vital role in our athletic success. And it's a great bonus to have them take our message to a broad national audience."

Under Armour joined the Team as a supplier in 2002. Today, the industry leader provides uniforms for the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team that will compete in Vancouver in February and base layers for all U.S. Ski Teams, as well as training gear for athletes working in the USSA Center of Excellence in Park City, UT.

"Under Armour's initiatives in promoting our sport are very much in line with Doc's unending drive to market skiing to the public," said SIA President David Ingemie. "Taking our message to a national audience with someone as notable as Lindsey Vonn not only helps promote a brand, but our entire sport."

"Under Armour is honored to be recognized with the Doc DesRoches Award this year," said Kip Fulks, Under Armour senior vice president of outdoor and innovation. “We are committed to making all athletes better and have worked hand-in-hand with our ski and snowboarding athletes to develop innovative, state-of-the-art gear that works as hard as they do. We are so proud of Lindsey and all of our athletes and look forward to seeing them represent Under Armour and compete at the Vancouver Olympics."

"Working with Under Armour has been incredible," said Vonn. "The company works directly with its athletes on design and creates products that are comfortable and totally functional in all elements.

"I do have to say, though, clicking into my ski boots on a hydraulic hoist for their national TV ad was probably one of the coolest things I've ever done."

The award is named in honor of Doc DesRoches, who died in 2003 after an illustrious career as a pioneer in forming SIA - and leading it for nearly two decades. He also played a key role in developing the U.S. Ski Team's early fundraising efforts and was a relentlessly strong supporter of the Team. The award was begun in 2004 and presented annually in recognition of marketing efforts by a supplier around the U.S. Ski Team brand and athletes. DesRoches was recently recognized as one the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association's most notable leaders of the past decade with a tribute outside the USSA's new Center of Excellence in Park City.

Doc DesRoches Award Winners
2004 - Rossignol
2005 - Atomic
2006 - All U.S. Ski Team suppliers
2007- Spyder Active Sports
2008 - Volkl, Marker, Tecnica
2009 – SmartWool
2010 – Under Armour

About Under Armour, Inc.
Under Armour® (NYSE: UA) is a leading developer, marketer, and distributor of branded performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. The brand's moisture-wicking synthetic fabrications are engineered in many different designs and styles for wear in nearly every climate to provide a performance alternative to traditional natural fiber products. The company's products are sold worldwide and worn by athletes at all levels, from youth to professional, on playing fields around the globe. The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland, with European headquarters in Amsterdam's Olympic Stadium, and additional offices in Denver, Hong Kong, Toronto, Guangzhou, China and Jakarta, Indonesia. For further information, please visit the company's website at www.underarmour.com.

Vonn, Lodwick, Victor Honored by USOC

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 MST

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO (Jan. 22) – The U.S. Olympic Committee Friday bestowed its highest honors on three U.S. Ski Team athletes on the eve of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Alpine skier Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO) was named the 2009 USOC SportsWoman of the Year, nordic combined skier Todd Lodwick (Steamboat Springs, CO) was honored as SportsMan of the Year and monoskier Stephani Victor (Park City, UT) earned Paralympic SportsWoman of the Year.

"Today we recognize and congratulate the best athletes that the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement had to offer in 2009," said USOC Chief of Sport Performance Mike English. "And it’s only fitting that the biggest stars over the past year will now help lead Team USA into competition in Vancouver beginning three weeks from today. These award recipients stood apart from a distinguished list of nominees both on and off the field of play and their accomplishments provide inspiration and excitement for all Americans."

SportsWoman of the Year Lindsey Vonn dominated in 2009 en route to becoming one of the most successful female skiers in U.S. history. The alpine skier was crowned overall champion of the 2009 Audi FIS World Cup, including titles in downhill and super G. The two-time Olympian recorded a U.S. record nine World Cup wins in a single season. She surpassed Tamara McKinney’s records for the most World Cup victories (19) and World Cup podium finishes (45). She capped her year with gold medals in the downhill and super G at the 2009 FIS World Championships in Val d’Isere, France. Friday she won her 29th career World Cup in Italy.

Vonn becomes the first U.S. Ski Team athlete to win SportsWoman of the Year since Picabo Street in 1998.

"This is a huge honor, especially with the Olympics just a few weeks away,” Vonn said. “This past year has been amazing and because of that, it's been so cool to see how many people are getting excited about alpine skiing. Regardless of whether I win a race or crash, I get so many notes of encouragement from fans. That says something special about the Olympic spirit. It isn't something that lives in just the athletes; it also lives in everyone who supports what we love."

"Not only is Lindsey an accomplished World Champion athlete, but she is an amazing role model and motivator for youth," said U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association President and CEO Bill Marolt. "She is a great representative of our sport, our country and the Olympic movement."

SportsMan of the Year Todd Lodwick heads into his fifth Olympic Games on the heels of a very successful 2009. The nordic combined skier returned from a two-year retirement to win a pair of gold medals at the 2009 FIS World Championships in Liberec, Czech Republic, becoming only the second American to win a nordic combined world title. His rise coincides with the rest of the U.S. Nordic Combined Team, which is stronger than ever heading into Vancouver.

Lodwick becomes the first Nordic combined skier ever to win SportsMan of the Year and the first U.S. Ski Team athlete to win the award since Jonny Moseley in 1998.

"It's humbling to be recognized amongst my Olympic peers," said Lodwick. "I'm especially proud to receive this honor on behalf of my sport. So many people have supported us for so many years that it's heartwarming to know that our sport and my accomplishments, and those of my teammates, are meaningful."

"Todd's return from retirement to win two World Championship gold medals is a story of personal dedication towards a goal," said Marolt. "But along with his individual accomplishments, he has worked together with his teammates to build a strong nordic combined team for today and the future."

Paralympic SportsWoman of the Year Stephani Victor skied away with the award, winning three gold medals and a silver at the 2009 IPC Alpine Skiing World Championships in High 1 Resort, Korea. Victor added a gold medal in the slalom at the U.S. Adaptive Alpine Ski Championships to her World titles in slalom, giant slalom and super combined.

Teammate Laurie Stephens won the award in 2005.

"It is a tremendous honor for me to receive this award as I head into my third Paralympic Winter Games," said Victor. "I'm especially proud to be recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee, which has also given me the opportunity to be a part of Team for Tomorrow. For me, winning is not just what happens in a race but how you live your life on and off the hill."

"An accident changed Stephani Victor's life," said Marolt. "But she has taken advantage of a new direction in ski racing to achieve high athletic goals and become best in the world in her sport, dominating World Championships last season."

The awards were announced by the USOC just three weeks before opening ceremonies in Vancouver. The USSA announced Olympic Teams in cross country, ski jumping and nordic combined in the last few days, with snowboarding, freestyle and alpine set for next week.

Other honorees included Steven Holcomb’s four-man bobsled team, named Team of the Year. Sled hockey player Steve Cash (Overland, MO) was named Paralympic SportsMan of the Year while the 2009 U.S. National Sled Hockey Team was awarded the inaugural USOC Paralympic Team of the Year honor.

The USOC SportsMan and SportsWoman of the Year awards have been presented annually since 1974 to the top overall male and female athlete from within the USOC member organizations. The team award was added in 1996 and the Paralympian of the Year was awarded for the first time in 2004. Winners are selected from the individual female and male athlete of the year and team of the year nominations of the USOC and National Governing Bodies for the Olympic, Pan American, Affiliated and Disabled Sports Organizations within the U.S. Olympic Movement.

World champion Stephani Victor was named Paralympic SportsWoman of the Year. (Getty Images-Harry How)

Valuable Message in Century Council Partnership

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 MST

ARLINGTON, VA (Jan. 22) - The Century Council, a national not-for-profit funded by distillers dedicated to eliminating drunk driving and underage drinking, has officially announced its partnership with the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding as a key component of their marketing efforts leading up to and during the Vancouver Olympics.

The Century Council will sponsor the third and final stop of U.S. Snowboarding's Sprint U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix in Park City where the preliminary Olympic halfpipe team will be announced. In addition to on-site activation around its Ask Listen Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix program, The Century Council has partnered with snowboarders Gretchen Bleiler and Louie Vito to create a public service announcement that will air during NBC‟s broadcast of the Grand Prix and throughout other programming leading up to and around the Olympic Games.

In Whistler, The Century Council will have a presence at the Spyder/U.S. Ski Team House near the Whistler Medals Plaza, promoting Ask Listen Learn and its new interactive game for kids. On February 23rd, the U.S. Ski Team and The Century Council will host "Kids Day," introducing families to the program and game, and creating an opportunity for them to meet Olympic athletes.

"We’re thrilled about the opportunity to work with an organization like the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding to reach out to the ski and snowboard communities," said Ralph Blackman, President & CEO of The Century Council. "The Olympic Games create a powerful platform for young people to learn about the importance of saying “yes” to a healthy lifestyle and “no” to underage drinking."

In addition to the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding partnership, The Century Council is working with Olympic athlete Apolo Anton Ohno in various marketing activities around the Vancouver Olympics. In the past, The Century Council has partnered with professional athletes including Misty May Treanor, Antawn Jamison, Mia Hamm, and Julie Foudy.

About The Century Council
The Century Council is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking and is funded by distillers including Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; Pernod Ricard; and Sidney Frank Importing Co. Inc. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia and chaired by The Honorable Susan Molinari, The Century Council is a leader in the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking and promotes responsible decision making regarding beverage alcohol. The Century Council develops and implements innovative programs and public awareness campaigns and promotes action through strategic partnerships. Established in 1991, The Century Council‟s initiatives are highlighted on its website at www.centurycouncil.org.

Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix is a creative, multimedia program which was designed by a team of educators and school administrators specializing in middle school-aged students. Ask, Listen, Learn empowers kids to say "YES" to a healthy lifestyle and “NO” to underage drinking.

Ask Listen Learn provides middle school aged kids and their parents with information about the dangers of underage drinking. A new interactive physical fitness and educational Ask, Listen, Learn Game along with strong new partnerships with Sports Illustrated for Kids and PE4Life will allow The Century Council to distribute the program to schools and community organizations across the country. Ask, Listen, Learn (A.L.L.) Stars. "A.L.L. Stars" are students involved in athletics, academics, and/or their community that pledge to make healthy choices and to say "no" to underage drinking. "A.L.L. Stars" are featured on www.asklistenlearn.com.

About the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding
The U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding are a part of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, the national governing body of Olympic skiing. The century-old organization manages year-round nationwide development and elite programs, fields and maintains teams of world-class athletes for national and international competition, including the Olympic Games. With the vision to be the best in the world in Olympic skiing and snowboarding, the Team coordinates nationwide development and elite programs in six distinctly different Olympic sports: alpine, cross country, freestyle, nordic combined, ski jumping and snowboarding, as well as Paralympic sports of adaptive alpine and adaptive cross country.

Backcountry.com Official Ski Team Gear Partner

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 MST

PARK CITY, UTAH (Jan. 21)—Lindsey Vonn, Bode Miller, Ted Ligety and the rest of the speed demons of the U.S. Ski Team live and breathe at eye-watering speeds, clinging to the edge of human capability and cheating death on a daily basis, and they require the best gear available. After all, their careers—and sometimes their lives—depend on it. You, on the other hand, are not on the U.S. Ski Team. Sad, yes…but true. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need the best ski gear the industry has to offer. And now you can get it. Backcountry.com is the now the official Online Gear Partner of the U.S. Ski Team.

And while Backcountry.com can’t give you secret race-stock skis and plug boots—you don’t want them anyway, trust us—the company can offer you the same hyper-qualified stuff the team wears while racing on and off the World Cup Circuit, all without the hassle of squeezing into a speed suit (unless, of course, you want to).

In addition to being the exclusive online distributor of official U.S. Ski Team gear, Backcountry.com will power the U.S. Ski Team’s online shop at shop.usskiteam.com.

With momentum and buzz building for the U.S. Ski Team’s prospects in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, you and your family can show your support for the home team with performance gear from the likes of Spyder, SmartWool, Reusch, High Sierra, Neve Designs and Under Armor, all decked out with the exclusive badge of the U.S. Ski Team and available exclusively at the U.S. Ski Team Shop and Backcountry.com.

About Backcountry.com
Backcountry.com is an online retailer of high-end outdoor gear. The etailer carries more than 400 brands in various categories, including backpacking, camping, cycling, hiking, climbing, trail running, paddling, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and adventure travel. Backcountry also operates Dogfunk.com, RealCyclist.com, HuckNroll.com, SteepandCheap.com, Bonktown.com, Chainlove.com, Tramdock.com, and WhiskeyMilitia.com. Backcountry.com is a controlled subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation attributed to the Liberty Interactive Group (Nasdaq: LINTA).

About the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding
The U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding are governed by the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, the national Olympic organization for skiing and snowboarding. The century old organization manages year round nationwide development and elite programs, including the national teams, in six distinctly different Olympic sports: alpine, cross country, freestyle, nordic combined, ski jumping and snowboarding, as well as two Adaptive sports -adaptive alpine and adaptive cross country. The USSA is based in Park City, Utah. For more information about the Teams, visit www.usskiteam.com or www.ussnowboarding.com.

New Wave Enviro Named Bottle Provider

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 MST

ENGLEWOOD, CO (Jan. 11) - New Wave Enviro Products has been announced as the exclusive provider of stainless steel water bottles for the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding. Support for these teams is particularly important because of the upcoming winter Olympics in February 2010. The U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding will be available on all of New Wave Enviro Products (r) Stainless Steel bottles, starting in February.

New Wave manufactures eco-nomical, reusable, recyclable products. New Wave Enviro Products has been a leader in designing and producing top of the line Seriously Safe STAINLESS (R) products. Including the 40 ounce, 1.0 Liter, 600ml and 12 ounce stainless steel bottles made from the highest grade of stainless, 304. "

"We welcome New Wave Enviro to the Team," said Ted Morris, vice president of sales and marketing for the Team. "Our athletes look forward to using this great product in training and competitions as they prepare for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and beyond."

Phil Walczynski, former U.S. Ski Team member and consulting partner to New Wave Enviro Products Outdoor sporting goods division said "we are proud to provide the safest, most eco-friendly bottles to the outstanding athletes who comprise the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding. It is gratifying to me to bring together the top producer of high quality stainless steel bottles and the nation's top winter sports athletes."

About New Wave Enviro Products
New Wave, founded in 1993, was the first company to introduce Stainless Steel drinking water bottles to the health food industry. The first company to develop and introduce plastic bpa free bottles made from Eastar(TM), a forever reusable yet recyclable bottle. The first reusable bottle made from corn resin which degrades in 80 days in commercial compost when thrown away. The first lunch bag made from 100% bamboo-the most renewable plant in the world. All of these products have been featured as hot new products on the Tyra Banks show, The New York Times, Readers Digest, TV Guide, Hemisphere Magazine, and The Washington Post. To see more about New Wave and its product line visit
www.newwaveenviro.com.

About the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding
The U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding are governed by the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, the national Olympic organization for skiing and snowboarding. The century old organization manages yearound nationwide development and elite programs, including the national teams, in six distinctly different Olympic sports: alpine, cross country, freestyle, nordic combined, ski jumping and snowboarding, as well as two adaptive sports - disabled alpine and disabled cross country. The USSA is based in Park City, UT. For more information about the Teams, visit www.usskiteam.com or www.ussnowboarding.com.

USSA Leadership Supports New Olympic Chief

Wed, 6 Jan 2010 00:00:00 MST

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association Wednesday voiced its support for both the selection process itself and the naming of new U.S. Olympic Committee Chief Executive Officer Scott Blackmun. A noted sports executive, Blackmun was announced as the new CEO at a press conference in Colorado Springs.

"The USOC conducted an open and transparent selection process which led to an outstanding choice in Scott Blackmun," said USSA President and CEO Bill Marolt. "He will build a strong management team and establish meaningful partnerships throughout the Olympic movement."

Blackmun returns to the USOC where he previously spent three years, including serving as acting CEO from November 2000 - October 2001. He first joined the USOC in September 1998 as General Counsel and Director of Legal Affairs, and in 2000, he moved into the role of Senior Managing Director where he was responsible for sport operations and resource allocation to NGBs and athletes.

"We are pleased to introduce Scott as our new CEO and to welcome him back to the USOC," USOC Chairman Larry Probst said. "With a deep understanding of the Olympic Movement, established relationships in the Olympic Family and a strong commitment to the community of Colorado Springs, we know he will move seamlessly into the role and be ready to represent the USOC as we head into the Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games."

The hiring of Blackmun, age 52, coincides with the organization moving into its new headquarters in downtown Colorado Springs.

"When we were looking for our new CEO, we wanted to ensure that we selected a new leader who would be part of the USOC for years to come, and in Scott we believe we have found that person," Probst said. "He has the unanimous support of the USOC Board as well as our independent search committee, and we look forward to Scott leading our organization at an important time of change for the USOC."

Blackmun, a resident of Colorado Springs, joins the USOC from the 200-plus lawyer firm of Holme Roberts & Owen LLP, where he was a partner and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. From 2002-06, he was chief operating officer of Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) in Los Angeles, where he worked under former USSA CEO Tim Leiweke, overseeing operations for the sports and events company.

"I am thrilled to be returning to the USOC and to be a part of an organization and Movement I am so passionate about," Blackmun said. "This is an exciting time for the USOC, with the Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games a few weeks away, and a move to the new headquarters building this spring. I am looking forward to getting to know and work alongside a talented staff. And, I am ready to make a long-term commitment to the success of this organization and America’s athletes, and to supporting the growth of the Olympic Movement worldwide."

Blackmun currently serves on a variety of following boards including Olympic skier Jeremy Bloom's Wish of a Lifetime Foundation. He graduated summa cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1979 with a degree in philosophy, and received his J.D. from Stanford Law School in 1982. He and his wife, Ann, have three children.

Blackmun will take over as CEO on January 26, 2010, from Acting CEO Stephanie Streeter. Streeter had served in the position since last March, however did not seek to become the permanent CEO of the USOC.

"I would like to personally thank Stephanie for taking on and executing the CEO’s role with a high level of professionalism and performance, in what was admittedly, an incredibly challenging year for the USOC," said Probst. "Though Stephanie decided in October that she would not seek to become the permanent CEO, she continued to be an active leader for the organization and established a solid foundation for Scott to succeed as he takes over this role."

The CEO search process began with 140 candidates and was guided by the global executive search firm Spencer Stuart, along with a Search and Screening Committee consisting of nine members of the U.S. Olympic Family. The committee was chaired by USOC Board member Bob Bowlsby, and it included two other members of the USOC Board: Probst and Mike Plant. It also consisted of representatives from five USOC constituent groups: Phil Godfrey (Multi-Sport Organizations), Nina Kemppel and Matt Van Houten (Athletes Advisory Council), Micki King (U.S. Olympians Association), Trygve Myhren (Paralympic Movement), and David Ogrean (National Governing Bodies Council).

Phil Godfrey, the Multi-Sport Organization representative, had this to add, "I think the entire process was extremely well done and managed, given both the aggressive timeframe as well as the quality of candidates. The Chairman kept us focused while the USOC staff supported the effort very well. The consultants contributed at a very high level and made the aggressive timeline doable. The committee members did their homework, were totally engaged and not afraid to say what was on their mind, while at the same time respecting all views expressed. Everyone was on the same mission of identifying the best possible candidates. I believe we succeeded in that mission."

Blackmun will be based in Colorado Springs, and he will hold overall accountability, responsibility and authority for the management of the business and affairs of the USOC. He will also serve as the primary spokesperson and representative of the USOC, building productive relationships within the domestic and global Olympic and Paralympic community.

Steamboat: Ski Town U.S.A.

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 MST

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO (Dec. 24) - Winter Olympic years are important to Steamboat Springs. And there's a reason they call it Ski Town U.S.A. This week's Olympic Trials for nordic combined and freestyle skiing brought out the best in one of America's great communities as fans cheered their hometown heroes in some breathtaking competitions in the Colorado Rockies.

Steamboat claims to have produced more Winter Olympians than any community in the nation - and maybe the world (69 and counting). Just ask legendary spokesperson and Olympic silver medalist Billy Kidd. Kidd, and his trademark Stetson, is synonomous with Steamboat, his adopted hometown after growing up in Stowe. He and Jimmy Heuga went silver-bronze in the 1964 Olympic slalom (Kidd later went on to become a World Champion). Kidd is an amazing spokesperson who rattles off facts about the mountain and the dozens and dozens of Olympians who have called Steamboat home.

So it was no surprise that over a thousand screaming local fans took time off work and school Wednesday to grab a seat in the packed grandstands of the Brent Romick Rodeo Arena to cheer on their heroes - young men like Todd Lodwick and Johnny Spillane who grew up in town, and Lake Placid's Billy Demong who spent much of his formative years living and training in the mecca of nordic combined.

They came with memories of the past, including Lodwick's four World Cup podiums at Steamboat and two wins - including a December, 1995 win where the youngster stunned the field, carrying an American flag into the stadium stretch and planting it as he crossed the finish line. Spillane was one of the forerunners that day.

But there was something different with this particular nordic combined event in Steamboat this week. It was the fact that three of the town's heroes were now World Champions. Never before had the sport of nordic combined seen such a show. The three very best in the world battling for one, single Olympic spot - each with the same skills, each with the same strategy, each with the same U.S. Ski Team uniform and each skiing in front of their home fans.

How important was it for them? Very important. Spillane figured he probably knew 95 percent of the fans by name. This was about family and Team. It was Olympism at its finest.

But the show wasn't over. Wednesday afternoon up on Voo Doo, Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Freestyle Coach Erik Skinner was at the top of the moguls run to watch and cheer his athletes. Some were still in the club, some were graduates to the national team. He cheered on each and every one, including little known Jeremy Cota. Cota, who moved to Steamboat from Maine a year ago to train with the local club, had won a NorAm title and a spot on the U.S. Ski Team. But no one figured him to matchup with the likes of World Champions Patrick Deneen or Nate Roberts, or rising star Bryon Wilson.

Cota nearly proved them all wrong. The 21-year-old with his own Steamboat cheering section produced a massive score. And he stood on the leader's spot under the watchful eye of NBC's cameras as skier after skier couldn't knock him out. Finally, it was Deneen - the last skier of the day - who barely edged out Cota and took the storybook ending away.

Just minutes earlier, Emiko Torito had suffered a similar fate. A longtime Steamboat skier, Torito knew the mountain and had the full crowd behind her. It took a solid run by World Cup champion Hannah Kearney to end Torito's hopes. On Christmas Eve, hometown boy and World Champ Ryan St. Onge came within an eyelash of clinching his Team spot.

It isn't a coincidence that Steamboat was well respresented at the Olympic Trials. Kids grow up on skis and snowboards here. And they have families, friends and fans to encourage them and support them. Over a thousand kids take part in programs through the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club headed by Rick DeVos. When you enter the clubhouse, you're greeted by a huge sign recognizing the program as a three-time U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association Club of the Year.

While nordic combined jumpers were taking their practice rounds on Tuesday, an International Ski Federation alpine event was wrapping up on Howelsen Hill's alpine slope. Next to the clubhouse, young athletes were called to the stage to accept their awards. On the mike, non other than 1984 Olympic giant slalom champion Deb Armstrong, the club's alpine director.

Everyone in Steamboat is willing to lend a helping hand. In early November, the combined skiers needed some early season training. So Lodwick approached the Steamboat Ski Resort about laying down a track of manmade snow for some early training. Done deal!

On Friday, February 5, Steamboat will gather once again in the rodeo grounds. This time it won't be for a race. But it will be a sendoff for the town's winter Olympians. There will be plenty of athletes from Steamboat on the 2010 Olympic Team. And you can bet there won't be an empty seat in the house to send their Vancouver Bound athletes to the Olympics.

After all, this is Ski Town U.S.A.

U.S. Ski Team Honored at Monday Night Football

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

DENVER, CO (Nov. 9) – Tune into Monday Night Football as U.S. Ski Team athletes Marco Sullivan (Alpine/Squaw Valley, CA), Casey Puckett (Ski Cross/Aspen, CO) and Johnny Spillane (Nordic Combined/Steamboat Springs, CO) are honored prior to tonight's NFL matchup of the 6-1 Denver Broncos and reigning Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

The 2010 Olympic hopefuls will head down to the Invesco Field turf for an 8:21 p.m. ET pregame presentation designed to wish them well prior to the Vancouver Bound 2010 World Cup season. The athletes will be introduced individually as action photos light up the stadium screen.

"I've been a Broncos fan since I can remember and I've lived through the team's ups and downs since the late 70s," said Puckett. "It's pretty exciting to be able to go to a Monday Night Football game, especially when they are having such a stellar year!"

Puckett's march to a hopeful berth on his fifth Olympic Team begins Dec. 21 with back-to-back World Cup ski cross events in Innichen and San Candido, Italy while Spillane's nordic combined kick off is set for November 28 in Kuusamo, Finland.

Sullivan, who is currently training in nearby Copper Mountain, CO also lights up the competition year Thanksgiving Weekend with a downhill and super G in Lake Louise, Alberta before moving to Beaver Creek, CO for the Audi Birds of Prey Race Week featuring one of the most treacherous downhill events in all of alpine racing.

"It's cool for the Broncos to open up the house for us," said Sullivan. "The team is pretty big into Fantasy Football and we're normally watching games online from Europe, so this is pretty cool to be able to get down on the field and see a game in person."

Kick off for tonight's game is set for 8:30 p.m. ET with national broadcast of the matchup on ESPN.

Ski Hall Of Fame Names Inductees

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

ISHPEMING, MI (Nov. 6) – Paralympic champions Chris Waddell and Sarah Will highlight a group of eight athletes and sport builders named for induction to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. They are joined by adaptive skiing pioneer Jack Benedick, legendary big mountain skier Doug Coombs, noted industry writer and instructor Stu Campbell, veteran ski jumping champion Ansten Samuelstuen, the father of southern skiing Sepp Kober and longtime U.S. Ski Team press officer and journalist Paul Robbins.

The adaptive skiing champions are the first to be named to the Hall of Fame since the late Diana Golden Brosnihan was named in 1997. It's the largest class of inductees since 1984 for the Hall of Fame, which is located Michigan's Upper Peninsula – the birthplace of organized ski competition in 1905.

Chris Waddell (Park City, UT) recently made international headlines for his successful climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in September, a first for a paraplegic. Paralyzed from the waist down after a skiing accident in 1988, he took up adaptive skiing and won twelve medals at four Paralympic Games including a sweep of the gold medals in 1994 at Lillehammer. He also competed at three Summer Paralympic Games winning silver in Sydney in 2000 in the 200 meter wheelchair event. The Massachusetts native has been a charismatic promoter for adaptive skiing and was a prominent ambassador for the Salt Lake City Games in 2002.

Sarah Will (Edwards, CO) was also paralyzed in a skiing accident in 1988 and also won 12 medals competing at four Paralympic Games. Like Waddell, she too swept the gold medals, this time at Salt Lake City in 2002. Shortly after her accident she read Hall of Famer Hal O’Leary’s book on adaptive skiing and started to train at Winter Park in Colorado. Within three years she won gold medals in the downhill and super G at the 1992 Paralympic Games. With Waddell, she started an adaptive skiing program at Vail and was recently recognized by the United States Olympic Hall of Fame to go along with honors accorded her in 2004 by the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame.

"Chris Waddell and Sarah Will were model athletes," said U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association President and CEO Bill Marolt. "Not only did they have the perseverance and drive to accomplish great athletic goals, but both have given back to their sport their entire careers. It was an honor to work with them as members of the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team."

Jack Benedick (Golden, CO) brought passion and innovation to adaptive skiing that has left a lasting legacy. Benedick, a double leg amputee from the Vietnam War, took up adaptive skiing for rehabilitation when the sport was still in its infancy. He worked hard with the USSA to create a U.S. Adaptive Ski Team and lobbied the International Ski Federation to accept adaptive skiing. A holder of the Paralympic Order for his contributions, he was a silver medal winner in the combined at the 1984 Paralympic Games.

"Jack Benedick was an amazing pioneer and really singelhandedly helped build the adaptive skiing program," said Marolt. "His early efforts were a big part of the strength of the Paralympics today."

The late Stu Campbell lived in Stowe, VT and was a writer, instructor and resort executive who impacted millions of American skiers over a career that spanned five decades. He was the author of six books on ski instruction, served as an equipment consultant to several manufacturers, raced and coached racers and provided television commentary. For thirty years he was the instructional editor for SKI Magazine and was recognized, prior to his death in 2008, by the Vermont Ski Museum with its Paul Robbins Award for ski journalism.

The late Doug Coombs may be the most recognizable skier in this year’s class for his appearances in many ski films in the 1990’s. A former ski racer from Montana State University, he is regarded by many as the most important skier of his generation in popularizing adventure skiing. He and his wife, Emily, started the first heliskiing operation in Alaska’s Chugach Mountains. He held steep skiing camps in Switzerland, France and Greenland. The complete expert skier, he won the first two World Extreme Skiing Championships. Although his skills far surpassed those of most of the people he guided, he had a capacity to make every skier who came into contact with him believe they could try bigger challenges. He died while attempting to rescue a friend in a skiing accident in 2006.

The late Paul Robbins spent three decades as a ski journalist and a U.S. Ski Team press officer. He possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of skiing and ski racers of every discipline that he willingly shared with anyone who asked. Ski jumper Jeff Hastings wrote: “His breath filled the sails of the athletes he covered.” Remembered by all who knew him as the man with the Scottish tam, Robbins died suddenly in 2008. The Paul Robbins Award for ski journalism is presented annually by the Vermont Ski Museum, as well as the Paul Robbins Outstanding Athlete Award by the North American Snowsport Journalists Association.

"Paul Robbins left a lasting impact on ski racing," said Marolt. "His wit, charm and beret were Paul's trademark. But his vast knowledge and tireless work ethic were instrumental in telling our U.S. Ski Team story for three decades."

Sepp Kober (Hot Springs, VA) is known as the "Father of Southern Skiing." After immigrating to the United States and instructing at Stowe, he was the first ski instructor at the first southern ski area to open a rope tow, Weiss Knob, in 1958. From then he worked to prove that skiing could exist south of the Mason Dixon Line. Today the Southeastern Ski Areas Association, which he founded, consists of 20 ski areas serving four to five million skiers annually and is considered the largest feeder of skiers to the mountain resorts in the west. He led the Southeast in as a charter member of the National Ski Areas Association.

Ansten Samuelstuen (Louisville, CO) first arrived in the United States in 1951 and set a hill record for distance of 316 feet at Howelsen Hill in Steamboat Springs that stood for 12 years. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1954 he successfully won three national titles in ski jumping, (1957, 1961 and 1962) and held four North American titles (1954, 1955,1957 and 1964). He competed for the United States on two Olympic teams and was the top U.S. jumper with a seventh place finish at the 1960 Olympic Games in Squaw Valley.

The induction of the Class of 2009 will take place in Colorado on April 9, 2010. They will also be honored in September by ceremonies in Ishpeming, the home of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame.

Nominations for Honored Membership in the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame are received throughout the year from across the country. A Selection Committee under the chairmanship of Paul Bousquet (Woodstock, VT) reviews all nominations. Successful nominations are placed on a ballot that in 2009 was voted on by a panel of 100 electors. This year’s class brings the number of Honored Members to 368.

Since 1956, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame has provided highly respected, national and perpetual recognition of athletes competing in skiing and snowboarding and of the builders of those sports who have made the highest level of national and/or international achievement and contribution to those sports.

How to Make the Olympic Team

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

PARK CITY, UT (Nov. 6) – The eyes of the world will be on Vancouver this February for the Olympic Winter Games. But ski and snowboarding athletes who hope to be Vancouver Bound already began scrapping and fighting their way to Olympic Team spots beginning in September. The final Olympic ski and snowboarding teams will be named in January, as close as possible to the Olympics.

Olympic selection events kicked off with the Sept. 12 FIS Snowboard World Cup snowboardcross opener in Chapelco, Argentina where Seth Wescott (Sugarloaf, ME) was second and Graham Watanabe (Sun Valley, ID) was third. Major U.S. selection events will include alpine World Cups in Aspen and Beaver Creek, CO, freestyle World Cups at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, UT and Lake Placid, NY, snowboarding World Cup in Telluride, CO, plus the U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix in Copper Mountain, CO, Mammoth Mountain, CA and Park City. Freestyle and nordic combined will also pick a single team member with the winner of an Olympic Trials event in Steamboat Springs, CO Dec. 23-24.

In general, qualifying for Olympic ski and snowboarding teams is based on existing international competitions that take place throughout the entire season. According to USSA Vice President, Athletics Luke Bodensteiner, nominating the best athletes from a series of events provides the most accurate opportunity to select the athletes who are at the top of their sport and have the greatest chance of winning medals.

"Our goal as an organization is to win medals in Vancouver," said Bodensteiner. "The selection criteria speaks to that. We have some great opportunities and we want to be sure that we have the best athletes on our Teams who have proven they can be contenders through their international performance against the best in the world."

The competition for Olympic spots on some Teams will be especially intense. For example, the USA has a half-dozen men's snowboardcross athletes who have been on World Cup podiums but only four can be named to the Team. Similar situations exist in men's and women's moguls.

Athletes in all sports are also competing internationally to earn quota spots for the USA. Each nation is allocated a maximum start quota by gender based on international rankings over a two-season period leading up to the Games. Optimizing that quota is an important part of the selection process. Athletes in each sport must also have achieved a specified ranking or point standing in order to compete.

A complete summary of the Olympic selection process, including details of eligibility, pre-qualification, selection events and process, tiebreaking procedures and grievance process is available on the USSA Web site at:
http://www.ussa.org/magnoliaPublic/ussa/en/special/olympic-criteria.html

ALPINE SKIING
Olympic alpine athletes will be selected primarily from individual race finishes on the 2009-10 Audi FIS Alpine World Cup. The top two athletes, by selection criteria, have a guaranteed start right in that respective event. Athletes must be ranked in the top 500 in the world on the FIS Points List to be eligible. In addition, athletes in speed events must have a maximum of 120 FIS points.

Selection Period: Oct. 23, 2009 – Jan. 25, 2010
Team Size: Maximum of 22 (max. 14 per gender)
Team Nomination: January 25, 2010
Event Quota: Up to four U.S. athletes per event
Top Criteria:
1. One or more top three World Cup finishes
2. One or more top 10 World Cup finishes
3. Total Audi FIS Alpine World Cup points in an event

Click here for complete details of alpine selection criteria.
http://www.ussa.org/magnoliaPublic/dms/documents/2008-09/10-OWG-SKI-ATH-Alpine-FINAL/10%20OWG%20SKI%20ATH%20Alpine%20FINAL.PDF

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Olympic cross country athletes will be selected first from current season standings on the 2009-10 FIS Cross Country World Cup. Additional athletes will next be named by discretion of the head cross country coach. Any additional spots will be filled through use of the USSA National Ranking List, which includes a variety of domestic and international events during a period from Jan. 12, 2009-Jan. 8, 2010. Athletes must also have a maximum of 100 FIS points (120 for sprint) to be eligible.

Selection Period: Jan. 12, 2009 – Jan. 8, 2010
Team Size: Maximum 12 per gender
Team Nomination: January 19, 2010
Event Quota: Up to four U.S. athletes per event
Top Criteria:
1. Top 50 in World Cup overall, top 30 in distance or sprint as of Dec. 22, 2009
2. If spots remain, discretion of head cross country coach
3. If spots remain, standings of USSA National Ranking List on including events that run to Jan. 8, 2010

Click here for complete details of cross country selection criteria.
http://www.ussa.org/magnoliaPublic/dms/athletics/alpine/docs/Cross-Country-criteria-6-29-09/Cross%20Country%20criteria%206-29-09.pdf

FREESTYLE SKIING
Olympic freestyle athletes will be selected primarily from finishes on the 2009-10 FIS Freestyle World Cup plus winner of Olympic Trials events in moguls and aerials in Steamboat Springs, CO Dec. 23-24. Athletes must have placed in the top 30 in a World Cup or World Championships and have a minimum of 100 FIS points.

Selection Period: July 1, 2009-Jan. 25, 2010
Team Size: Maximum of 18
Team Nomination: Jan. 26, 2010
Event Quota: Up to four U.S. athletes per event
Top Criteria:
1. Winner of moguls and aerials events at Olympic Trials
2. One top three World Cup finish
3. Two top five World Cup finishes

Click here for complete details of freestyle selection criteria.
http://www.ussa.org/magnoliaPublic/dms/athletics/alpine/docs/10-OWG-SKI-ATH-Freestyle-FINAL/10%20OWG%20SKI%20ATH%20Freestyle%20FINAL.PDF

NORDIC COMBINED
Olympic nordic combined athletes will be selected primarily from ranking in the top 30 of the FIS World Ranking List which includes finishes on the 2009-10 FIS Nordic Combined World Cup and Continental Cup, along with a single wild card selection from an Olympic Trials event Steamboat Springs, CO Dec. 23. Athletes must have scored World Cup or Continental Cup points between Dec. 1, 2008 and Jan. 18, 2010 to be eligible.

Selection Period: Nov. 1, 2009-Jan. 18, 2010
Team Size: Up to five
Team Nomination: Jan. 19, 2010
Event Quota: Up to four U.S. athletes per event
Top Criteria:
1. Winner of Olympic Trials event
2. Ranking in top 30 in FIS World Ranking List on Jan. 18
3. If spots remain, then discretionary selection of coach

Click here for complete details of nordic combined selection criteria.
http://www.ussa.org/magnoliaPublic/dms/athletics/alpine/docs/10-OWG-SKI-ATH-Nordic-Combined-FINAL/10%20OWG%20SKI%20ATH%20Nordic%20Combined%20FINAL.PDF

SKI JUMPING
Athletes will be selected first from current season standings on the 2009-10 season FIS Ski Jumping World Cup. Additional athletes will next be named by discretion of the USSA nordic director. Any additional spots will be filled through use of the FIS Continental Cup. Athletes must have achieved at least one FIS point in World Cup, Grand Prix or Continental Cup between July 1, 2008 and Jan. 25, 2010 to be eligible.

Selection Period: Jan. 12, 2009 – Jan. 7, 2010
Team Size: Maximum of five
Team Nomination: January 19, 2010
Event Quota: Up to four U.S. athletes per event
Top Criteria:
1. FIS World Cup standings as of Jan. 11, 2010
2. If spots remain, discretion of USSA nordic director
3. If spots remain, ranking on FIS Continental Cup as of Jan. 11, 2010

Click here for complete details of ski jumping selection criteria.
http://www.ussa.org/magnoliaPublic/dms/documents/2008-09/10-OWG-SKI-ATH-Jumping-Amendment-11-25-08/10%20OWG%20SKI%20ATH%20Jumping%20Amendment%2011-25-08.pdf

SNOWBOARDING
Snowboarding has specific criteria for each of its three events, halfpipe, parallel giant slalom (PGS) and snowboardcross (SBX). Snowboarding's nation's quota (how many can be entered in an event) must be earned so team size will vary based on results of U.S. athletes on the FIS Snowboard World Cup. Athletes must also achieve a minimum FIS qualifying criteria of at least one top 30 finish in a FIS World Cup or World Championship between July, 2008 and Jan. 25, 2010, and have at least 100 FIS points at the time of nomination in the respective event. Athletes must be pre-qualified to enter selection events. The snowboading selection process contains many additional important details and dates that can be found in the official criteria document.
http://www.ussa.org/magnoliaPublic/dms/documents/2008-09/Snowboard-Criteria/Snowboard%20Criteria.pdf

Overall
Selection Period: Sept. 1, 2009-Jan. 25, 2010 (see each event for list of tryouts)
Team Size: Maximum of 18 (max. 10 per gender); actual team size determined through nation's results on FIS Snowboard World Cup from Jan. 18, 2009-Jan. 18, 2010.
Team Nomination: Jan. 25, 2010
Event Quota: Up to four U.S. athletes per event

Halfpipe
Up to three men and three women will be selected from individual results in five selection events as part of the 2009-20 U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix. Athletes must be pre-qualified to enter (see selection criteria document for details). Additional athletes will be named based on medal potential if overall Team quota spots are available. Scheduled dates are as follow:

Dec. 12, 2009 – Copper Mountain, CO (1 event)
Jan. 6, 9, 2010 – Mammoth Mountain, CA (2 events)
Jan. 22-23, 2010 – Park City, UT (2 events)

Top Criteria:
1. Up to three athletes per gender who have had a top-four finish against the full competition field (including non-USSA athletes) in selection events.
2. If no athletes selected by criteria point 1, one athlete per gender will be selected using the average of top two results in selection events (FIS 1,000 point system applied to only eligible USSA athletes)
3. If spots remain, discretion of head snowboarding coach

Parallel Giant Slalom
Up to two men and two women will be selected from individual results in four selection events as part of the 2009-20 FIS Snowboard World Cup. Athletes must be pre-qualified to enter (see selection criteria document for details). Additional athletes will be named based on medal potential if overall Team quota spots are available. Scheduled dates are as follow:

Dec. 6, 2009 – Limone Piemonte, Italy
Dec. 17, 2009 – Telluride, CO
Jan. 6, 2010 – Kreischberg, Austria
Jan. 17, 2010 – Nendaz, Switzerland
Jan. 24, 2010 – Stoneham, QUE

Top Criteria:
1. Up to two athletes per gender who have had a top-four finish against the full competition field (including non-USSA athletes) in selection events.
2. If no athletes selected by criteria point 1, one athlete per gender will be selected using the average of top two results in selection events (FIS 1,000 point system applied to only eligible USSA athletes)
3. If spots remain, discretion of head snowboarding coach

Snowboardcross
Up to two men and two women will be selected from individual results in five selection events as part of the 2009-20 FIS Snowboard World Cup. Additional athletes will be named based on medal potential if overall Team quota spots are available. Athletes must be pre-qualified to enter (see selection criteria document for details). Scheduled dates are as follow:

Sept. 12, 2009 – Chapelco, Argentina
Dec. 19, 2009 – Telluride, Colorado
Jan. 10, 2010 – Bad Gastein, Austria
Jan. 15, 2010 – Nandaz, Switzerland
Jan. 21, 2010 – Stoneham, Quebec

Top Criteria:
1. Up to two athletes per gender who have had a top-four finish against the full competition field (including non-USSA athletes) in selection events.
2. If no athletes selected by criteria point 1, one athlete per gender will be selected using the average of top two results in selection events (FIS 1,000 point system applied to only eligible USSA athletes)
3. If spots remain, discretion of head snowboarding coach

SPECIAL NOTES
Maximum event quotas must be earned by teams in each sport during selection period. Maximum team size within a sport with multiple events may impact use of maximum quote in some events. All athletes must also be U.S. citizens, members in good standing of the USSA and holding a valid FIS license at the time of nomination. The USSA presents its list of nominees to the USOC, which will announce the official Olympic Team.

The information presented here is designed only as a summary of criteria. A complete legal outline of the full selection criteria, including details on the process and athlete rights and responsibilities, is available on the USSA's Web site at www.ussa.org, with a listing under each respective sport's Advancement Section. A complete listing of all pertinent selection process information is also available at:
http://www.ussa.org/magnoliaPublic/ussa/en/special/olympic-criteria.html

New York Strikes Gold

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

NEW YORK, NY (Nov. 2) – The stars shined gold, silver and bronze in New York Thursday (Oct. 29) as the New York Ski and Snowboard Ball brought champions and fans together for a gala evening to support Vancouver Bound U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding athletes. The biggest single fundraising event of any Winter Olympic sport played to a sold-out crowd of over 500 at Gotham Hall in Herald Square with more than a dozen top athletes and Olympic champions at the 42nd annual gala.

All night long, fans and athletes mingled and talked shop about the upcoming season. Bode Miller – just off the airplane from an on-snow training camp in Austria and Switzerland – signed autographs for kids and held court with fans. Adaptive skier Ralph Green, a Brooklyn native, told tales at his table, while World Championship moguls medalist Michelle Roark and downhiller Marco Sullivan helped pitch auction items.

Some of the greatest champions in the history of the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding packed the stage in an emotional moment early in the evening. Olympic champions Tommy Moe (1994 gold, silver), Donna Weinbrecht (1992 gold) and Seth Wescott (2006 gold) were flanked on stage by Bode Miller (2002 double silver) and Billy Kidd (1964 silver). It was a look back in history as Moe and Weinbrecht recounted the lifetime commitment it took from their friends and family to make their golden moment a reality.

With such a gold mine of athletic success in the room, it was an evening that left a lasting impression on athletes, young and old.

"Every time I think about what it will feel like to step out onto an Olympic course I get goose bumps," said cross country skier Liz Stephen. "The support that I felt and saw at the New York Ball gave them to me, too. What is cool for me to see is how much support we have from fans, parents, friends and communities around the country.

"As skiers, we compete, for the most part, individually. But without a team to support every step we take, we would not even begin to be capable of achieving what we do."

Recounting the story of his own historic silver in 1964 (with teammate Jimmie Heuga winning bronze), Kidd also talked about the importance of Team. "We weren't the favorites," said Kidd, who garnered one of the loudest rounds of applause of the evening. "We were just two young kids who did the unexpected. If either one of us had won a medal, you could say it was luck. But for the two of us to win together, it was a Team."

The gala evening kicked off with an on-stage introduction of a dozen Vancouver Bound athletes. Nordic combined World Champion Billy Demong talked about how sport science is making a difference for athletes. Wescott, who is seeking to defend his snowboardcross gold, told the crowd about the depth of the team with 8-10 athletes vying for just four spots. Miller tipped off the fans that he hopes to start in the Audi FIS World Cup in Levi, Finland in two weeks but expected to be fully ready to go for the Audi Birds of Prey in Beaver Creek in early November.

One of the most active live auctions in recent years saw some incredible opportunities get grabbed up for the cause. One of the highlights was a chance to train with the men's alpine team next August in New Zealand. One lucky bidder also won an experience to drive an Audi R8 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, plus a wine weekend courtesy of Parallel Wines. One fan paid top dollar for an opportunity to ski with Roark at Winter Park Resort, plus some of her exclusive line of Phi-nomenal perfume (yes, she's also a chemical engineer). And Billy Kidd helped sell a fabulous week at Steamboat's new One Steamboat Place – of course, with a day skiing with the Olympic silver medalist and World Champion.

Kidd is a regular attendee at the Team's annual gala. In fact, he was among a group of athletes including Heuga, the late Spider Sabich, Suzie Chaffee and more who attended the very first New York Ball in October, 1967 at New York's famous Tavern on the Green.

The New York Ski and Snowboard Ball has a long legacy of raising money to support U.S. athletes. The first event in 1967 was a collaborative effort between Coach Bob Beattie and early U.S. Ski Team supporters in New York including J. Negley Cook and Ralph "Doc" DesRoches who led pioneering efforts to help raise money to support the fledgling Team. Over the years a host of supporters have headed efforts to make the New York Ski and Snowboard Ball the biggest fundraiser in Olympic sport. This year's efforts were headed up by Team trustees Steve Hankin of Sentient Jet and Chris Heinz of Rosemont Capital.

"As a Jersey Girl, I have a special place in my heart for the New York Ball," said Olympic champion Donna Weinbrecht. "It truly is a wonderful evening for me - seeing friends, fellow athletes and meeting equally avid lovers of our sport, who have supported athletes like me
over the years and who continue to help ensure the future of skiing and snowboarding in our country."

"New York has such a big population of skiers and snowboarders that there's great excitement in the group of people that are here," said Wescott, who also attended the Team's New England event a month earlier. "It's especially true in the Olympic year because they really do feel like their support goes to help that team and the athletes."

"The combination of New Yorkers' natural enthusiasm and the excitement for the upcoming Olympics created this atmosphere that was just incredible," said U.S. Ski Team downhiller Stacey Cook from Mammoth Mountain. "Gotham Hall was so cool! The committee really did an amazing job organizing this year's New York Ball and I am so proud to have been a part of it and to have helped rally such a great crowd to support us on our run up to Vancouver! I am so fired up for the season now!"

A common takeaway for the athletes was the passion of the crowd which came to a fevered pitch with the traditional Flying Ace All Stars trampoline show. Headlining the 15-minute action-packed show was none other than World Champion Ryan St. Onge. The evening wrapped with Unforgettable Fire, a U2 tribute band.

"The New York Ball is an amazing event," said Stephen. "There are 500 plus people who attend - all who have gathered just to support us, as athletes of the US Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding."

Fans who couldn't make the sold out New York event can show their support for Vancouver Bound athletes by joining the U.S. Ski Team Fan Club at fanclub.usskiteam.com.

Next up: the Chicago Ski and Snowboard Ball on Friday, Nov. 13.

Steamboat Springs To Host U.S. Olympic Team Trials

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO (Oct. 12) - U.S freestyle and nordic combined athletes will get a one shot, winner-takes-all chance at making the 2010 U.S. Olympic Team as the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) and U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) host the 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Steamboat Springs Dec. 23-24. A total of five U.S. Olympic Team spots in moguls, aerials and nordic combined will be up for grabs on those two days in Steamboat-Ski Town, U.S.A. ®.

Scheduled to air on NBC at 2:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 26, the 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials event, which complements the season-long selection process for the remainder of the Team, offers athletes a direct ticket to the Games should they be skilled enough to win against a field of the nation's best. The format dates back to 1998 with a similar event held just prior to the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games, and a freestyle only event in Steamboat prior to the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. Nordic combined is being added for the first time this season.

"The Steamboat community takes great pride in its hometown winter Olympians and has been a hotbed of athletic development in nordic combined and freestyle skiing over the years," said USSA Vice President, Events, Calum Clark. "It will be great to bring the best athletes in the country to Ski Town USA to compete in front of an enthusiastic and supportive crowd."

"Freestyle and nordic combined skiing always has been, and remain at the heart of Steamboat’s claim to Ski Town USA," said Andy Wirth, senior vice president of sales & marketing for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation and president of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC). "The Winter Sports Club, Ski Area and entire community are excited to be hosting the 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials."

"The USOC welcomes the opportunity to partner with the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association and the the city of Steamboat Springs to offer this unique winner-take-all event,” said USOC Chief of Sport Performance Mike English. “These Trials will capture all the thrill and excitement that comes with making Team USA and should prove to be a great holiday present for all ski enthusiasts."

The likes of World Champions and hometown heroes Todd Lodwick and Johnny Spillane (both Steamboat Springs, CO) as well as World Champion and former Steamboat resident Billy Demong (Vermontville, NY) will each look for a wildcard spot on the U.S. Olympic Team prior to the official team selection. The combined events will be held at Steamboat's historic Howelsen Hill in the heart of the city and home to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club.

"It will be great to have a high quality competition that will showcase nordic combined in Steamboat again, because it's been absent from here for a long time. Any opportunity to have a televised Nordic combined competition in Steamboat is great," Lodwick said.

After the nordic combined competition, the Trials moves to the moguls event on the afternoon of Dec. 23 at nearby Steamboat Resort. World Cup moguls champion Hannah Kearney (Norwich, VT), Olympic silver medalist Shannon Bahrke (Tahoe City, CA) and moguls World Champion Patrick Deneen (Cle Elum, WA), local favorite Emiko Torito (Denver, CO) and their teammates will all be going after their shot at being named to the 2010 U.S. Olympic Team.

"As a graduate of Whiteman and a member of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, I feel so much affection for Steamboat," Torito said. "It is the place where I believe I blossomed as a skier. Timmy Maher makes the best courses, and I can't wait to see some of my old friends, coaches, and teachers. There is no better place to have the Olympic Trials than Steamboat Springs."

The party continues after the awards are made on Dec. 23 with a night of live music and celebration in the heart of the mountain village.

The event wraps up on Christmas Eve morning as Colorado native, SSWSC athlete and aerials World Champion Ryan St. Onge (Winter Park, CO), Olympian and executor of the highest scored trick on the World Cup aerials circuit Jeret "Speedy" Peterson (Boise, ID) and World Cup winner and U.S. Ski Team veteran Emily Cook (Belmont, MA) fly, flip and stick their chance at landing a place on the 2010 U.S. Olympic Team.

"Going home to compete in Colorado is always my favorite," St. Onge said. "We don't get to compete there very often, so it's a unique experience for me. I'm going back there to win. The last time I competed in Colorado I won, so hopefully I can do it again."

The full 2010 U.S. Olympic Teams for freestyle and nordic combined will be determined primarily from season-long World Cups and will be named in January.

2010 U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM TRIALS - FREESTYLE SKIING/NORDIC COMBINED EVENTS
(actual start times TBD)

Dec. 23, 2009
Morning - Nordic Combined, Howelsen Hill
Afternoon - Men's and Women's Moguls, Steamboat Resort
Evening - Concert and Celebration

Dec. 24, 2009
Morning - Men's and Women's Aerials, Steamboat Resort

Vancouver Bound: Ball Season Begins

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

BOSTON (Sept. 28) – It's a rite of passage every autumn, as snowflakes begin to fall on the mountains. With the 2010 Olympic Winter Games just over four months away, there's a heightened excitement in the air as athletes who have committed a lifetime are now Vancouver Bound. For over 40 winters, fans of the nation's top skiers and snowboarders have gathered across America for gala events celebrating their heroes and helping raise funds to support them on the globe's biggest stage. It's ball season for the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding, kicking off this week in Boston.

Ball season brings the Team's top athletes together with some of its most passionate fans for events ranging from black tie galas to backyard picnics for kids, honoring and supporting athletes who are Vancouver Bound.

"The Balls are a great chance for the U.S. Ski Team and U.S Snowboarding families to spend time with the people who have supported us throughout the years," said two-time World Champion Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO), who will be among the headliners at the kickoff New England Ski and Snowboard Ball in Boston Wednesday (Sept. 30). "We can celebrate the things we have all accomplished and work together for a great future."

Joining Vonn for Wednesday's New England event will be freestyle moguls World Champion Hannah Kearney, Olympic gold medalist Ross Powers, and Paralympic champion Alison Jones, plus a host of others including past Olympic medalists Billy Kidd and Travis Mayer.

The Team's unique events date back to the 1960s when innovative New York businessmen J. Negley "Cookie" Cooke, Ralph "Doc" DesRoches and others began the New York Ski Ball. Today, the New York Ski and Snowboard Ball remains the granddaddy of them all and one of the highlights of Ball season.

Today, the Team's galas in Boston, California's Bay Area, New York and Chicago, along with private fundraising events in Dallas, Los Angeles and other markets, help raise millions of dollars to support athletes in their quest to achieve lifetime dreams and goals in Vancouver.

"As an athlete, you commit to a lifetime dedicated to training and preparation for that one day in Vancouver," said Trace Worthington, Vice President, Foundation. "And it's not just dedication by athletes – it's a lifetime commitment from family, friends and fans to helping these athletes achieve excellence at the Olympics.

"The need to support America's athletes is greater than ever before," said Worthington. "And as our supporters meet these men and women at our Balls, they get to see firsthand that dedication, passion and commitment – and how much their support is valued."

In addition to financing expenses for coaches and athlete travel to camps and competitions, Worthington cited three areas of specific importance to each of the Team's six sport programs.

One of the most critical is sport science – developing scientific training programs for individual athletes in each sport and use of technology to help athletes ski and snowboard faster and soar higher and longer. In sports like skiing and snowboarding where injuries are prevalent, sports medicine is vital – both for prevention of injury and proper rehab to facilitate return to competition. Finally, sport education is critical to future success – working closely with the USSA's more than 400 local clubs nationwide.

"The Balls are a great time for us, as athletes, to connect with the people who support our Team and who help contribute to our efforts," said nordic combined World Champion Billy Demong (Vermontville, NY). "It's always a lot of fun to get together and help share the evening with some people who are excited about what we do."

"It's a good way to meet existing U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding supporters face-to-face and try to generate new supporters as well," said snowboardcross great Nate Holland (Squaw Valley, CA).

"The Balls are a great opportunity to enjoy ourselves and mingle with ski enthusiasts," said freestyle aerials World Champion Ryan St. Onge. "It's also an opportunity for us to support the Team's fundraising in order to get us what we need to be our best."

St. Onge often does double duty at balls, shaking hands and greeting fans, but also flipping and flying in the Flying Ace All Stars trampoline show. Each year the All Stars find new and exciting tricks in the multiple-trampoline show which is one of the most action-packed 15 minutes of fun you will ever see.

"The next four months are pivotal for these athletes," said Worthington. "Each athlete and their family has committed a lifetime to representing their sport and country at the Olympics. They're Vancouver Bound, but only if the support of our nation is behind them."

Fans who want to get involved can checkout details at donate.ussa.org or by calling 435.647.2074.

MAJOR 2009 SKI AND SNOWBOARD BALLS

New England Ski and Snowboard Ball
Wednesday, Sept. 30
The New England Ball features one of the biggest lineups of athletes at a cocktail reception event at the prestigious Langham Hotel in the heart of Boston's financial district. A live auction features opportunities to ski with top athletes and more, with a return engagement by the Flying Ace All Stars trampoline show. This year's New England event will feature a daylong "Coaches Track" forum for USSA club leaders where the leaders of future stars will hear the Team's plans for development, the latest sport science insights, plus an opportunity to visit with USSA President and CEO Bill Marolt, plus top athletes.

Bay Area Ski and Snowboard Benefit
Saturday, Oct. 17
The Team's Bay Area event, held near Palo Alto each year, features a focus on kids. Current stars team up with the youngsters for a head-to-head obstacle course race. Parents, meanwhile, get an opportunity to hear about the Team's latest developments in sport science in a backyard picnic that has become one of the most popular stops.

New York Ski and Snowboard Ball
Thursday, Oct. 29
The Team's New York Ski and Snowboard Ball is the original gala, attracting hundreds of corporate sponsors, private supporters, television executives and media each year. In a nearly 50 year run, it has raised literally tens of millions of dollars for U.S. ski and snowboarding athletes and has become a popular event on the Wall Street social scene. This year's Ball moves to a new venue, Gotham Hall for an evening featuring athletes, live entertainment plus the Flying Ace All Stars. The live auction is a highlight of the evening where you may go home with a day skiing with a gold medalist, a trip by Sentient Jet to your favorite resort, or a date with a helicopter in the Canadian Rockies.

Chicago Ski and Snowboard Ball
Friday, Nov. 13
The Standard Club on the south side of Chicago's Loop offers one of the most spectacular and intimate settings for 500 of the Team's most ardent fans to show their support. Chicago historically features one of the most robust silent auctions plus a new cocktail format this year to bring athletes and fans even closer together.

Olympians Gather in the Windy City

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

CHICAGO (Sept. 10) - Hundreds of the nation's top media outlets are hunkered down in the heart of the windy city to conduct pre-Games interviews with America's top Vancouver Bound Olympic hopefuls as the USOC Media Summit opened up for business in Chicago Thursday.

Among the athletes making the rounds throughout the weekend are Olympic gold medalist Ted Ligety (Park City, UT), Olympic silver medalist Shannon Bahrke (Tahoe City, CA), World Champions Ryan St. Onge (Winter Park, CO), Todd Lodwick (Steamboat Springs, CO), Pat Deneen (Cle Elum, WA), Billy Demong (Vermontville, NY), Grand Prix overall champions Steve Fisher (Breckenridge, CO) and Louie Vito (Sandy, UT) and numerous other accomplished skiers and snowboarders.

"We're meeting a lot of reporters and getting a lot of photo shoots done and we're having fun," Deneen said. "The season is approaching. This time of year gets me excited and the media summit gets me thinking about the Olympics a lot more."

Deneen spent time in numerous photo shoots with organizations like the Associated Press, Getty Images and Reuters where he posed for candid photos in uniforms, with his skis and wearing the red white and blue for his team.

Deneen also sat in the hot seat for a while as the athlete round table discussions got underway. The nation's press filled the room, moving from table to table in order to get in interviews with the multiple athletes seated at various stations.

Like Deneen, athletes spend about a day in Chicago where they hit the ground running through countless photo sessions, TV interviews, press conferences and roundtable discussions in order to provide material and information that will serve the national press for the lead up to and duration of the Olympics.

"It's a pretty crazy day. I started at seven o'clock this morning and it's not going to be done till 11. It's a pretty hectic day for sure. Hopefully I can talk by the end," Ligety reported as he ran from photo shoot to photo shoot.

Ligety's schedule is fit for a gold medalist, complete with sit down interviews with NBC the Olympic network, and CNN, as well as a photo shoot with Men's Journal magazine and Ralph Lauren.

The Summit continues through Saturday. Check back on usskiteam.com, Facebook and Twitter for more info, photos and videos from Chicago.

Worthington Named USSA Foundation VP

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

PARK CITY, UT (Aug. 31) - One of skiing's most accomplished athletes, Trace Worthington (Park City, UT), has been named to head fundraising for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation. In a move that brings a closer athletic tie into the sports' fundraising, U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association President and CEO Bill Marolt tapped the world champion as the organization's new Vice President, Foundation.

"Trace has always been one of our most passionate and forward thinking athletes," said Marolt. "It's a great opportunity to bring a world-class athlete onto our management team. As an Olympian and world champion, he knows our sports from the perspective of those we are serving. As a business leader, he understands how to manage a successful company and the importance of developing advocacy through personal relationships."

Worthington, who was recently named to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, forged a stellar career as a freestyle champion in the 1990s winning 37 World Cups and two World Championship titles (aerials, combined). The two-time Olympian (1992, '94) was known for his pioneering - first athlete to land a quadruple-twisting triple flip in competition - and his promotion of the sport.

In 1997 he joined teammate Kris "Fuzz" Feddersen in starting Flying Ace Productions. The action sports company has produced hundreds of trampoline and aerial shows for major corporations around the world, promoting skiing and snowboarding to new audiences. The company's Ski SuperStars division matched famous ski champions with individuals and corporations.

Worthington also worked as one of network televisions premier commentators for winter sports on NBC, CBS, ESPN, and Versus. For the past decade he covered freestyle skiing, ski cross, snowboardcross, ski and snowboarding halfpipe, and celebrity events. Most notably, he covered three Winter Olympics for NBC.

"I'm deeply honored to join the Team at such an exciting time in its history. I have great respect for the leadership and vision of the Team," said Worthington. "Anyone who has known me as an athlete or TV commentator knows my passion for athletes and sport. I've been privileged to get to know many of the Team's supporters and have seen the enthusiasm they have for helping to make dreams become reality for our athletes."

Worthington will be responsible for the Team's private fundraising, which is a vital element in supporting athletic programs. The Foundation raises millions each year in an annual fund and endowments to directly support the most expansive and diverse programs of any Olympic sport from youth development to World and Olympic Champions.

"We have a strong Foundation staff team and great programs in place as we head into the Olympics in five months," said Worthington. "But I also see some unique progression as we look to the future. Our programs are evolving with new action sports joining the traditional events, and to me that means more opportunities to attract more supporters as we head to the 2014 Olympics in Sochi."

Austrian Great Toni Sailer Dies

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

PARK CITY, UT (Aug. 26) – U.S. Ski Team officials mourned the passing of one of ski racing's greatest stars. Toni Sailer, an Austrian who swept all three gold medals at the 1956 Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy died Monday, Aug. 24 at the age of 73.

"As an athlete, Toni Sailer brought global recognition to alpine ski racing with his Olympic gold medal sweep in Cortina along with wins at the classic races in Wengen and Kitzbuehel," said U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association President and CEO Bill Marolt. "As a leader, Toni devoted a lifetime to his sport and his impact is still being felt 50 years later."

Toni Sailer competes at the 1956 Olympics in Cortina (Getty Images).

Sailer was the first great international hero in alpine ski racing. At the age of 20, he swept every gold medal in Cortina, as well as the four International Ski Federation (FIS) World Championships titles. At the peak of his career, he dominated classic races including the Lauberhorn in Wengen, Switzerland and the fabled Hahnenkamm in his hometown of Kitzbuehel.

His success in Cortina was timely, marking the first time the Games were broadcast live on television. Tens of millions of viewers around the world watched as "Black Lightning" won the downhill, giant slalom and slalom and became a global sport hero, putting tiny Austria on the map as the heart of alpine ski racing. In 1999, he was recognized as Austria's Sportsman of the Century. He also presented the Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee in 1985.

The Austrian star retired in 1959, building a career as a singer, actor and businessman. He remained close to his sport serving key roles within the Kitzbuehel Ski Club and the Hahnenkamm races. In 1993 he took on leadership of the FIS Alpine Committee, steering the sport through a great period of growth, serving as chairman until his passing.

Information on services was pending.

Ski Team Athletes Inducted Tonight

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

CHICAGO, IL (Aug. 12) - Wednesday evening, U.S. Ski Team great Picabo Street, skiing veteran Andrea Mead Lawrence and Paralympian Sarah Will all will inducted as members of the Class of 2009 to the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.

"Something like this is a really nice reminder that I accomplished something great and that it still affects people in a positive way. It's really a huge, huge honor - one of those kind of honors that's hard to put words to," said three-time Olympian Picabo Street.

This year’s U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame class is comprised of five Olympians, one Paralympian, one team, as well as three additional individuals: a coach, veteran and a special contributor.

Andrea Mead Lawrence skied at three Olympic Winter Games, including the 1952 Oslo Games where she won gold medals in slalom and giant slalom. The only U.S. woman to win two skiing gold medals at one Olympic Winter Games, Mead Lawrence succumbed to cancer on March 30, 2009 at age 76. She is survived by her five children and four grandchildren.

Street first joined the U.S. Ski Team in 1989 and earned a silver medal at the 1994 Olympic Winter Games in - the downhill. The Sun Valley native left her mark in Olympic history in 1998, taking gold in the Nagano super G by a mere hundredth of a second.

When a serious skiing accident that paralyzed her from the waist down, Will took up mono skiing and was back on the slopes just one year later. Four years after her start in the monoski, she competed in her first Paralympic Games, winning gold in downhill and super G in 1992 in Albertville, France. It was the first of 12 Paralympic gold medals she won.

The star-studded inductee list also includes Michael Johnson (athletics), Teresa Edwards (basketball), Willye White (athletics), Mary T. Meagher (swimming) the 1992 Men’s Basketball Team, longtime Men’s Gymnastics Team coach Abie Grossfeld, and special contributor Peter Ueberroth. Amazingly, members of this talented group of athletes, teams and coaches have been a part of a combined 19 Olympic and Paralympic Games and brought home 38 medals.

The ceremony is to be held at McCormick Place in Chicago and will air in a nationally-televised broadcast on NBC on September 5 at 2:00 p.m. ET.