by Sue Greenberg
The 2009 U.S. Adaptive Ski Championships drew to a close today in Winter Park Colorado with the newest event in ski racing, the Super Combined. For those unfamiliar with this event, it requires the athlete to complete one run of Super G and one run of Slalom in one day. Super G is a speed event similar to Downhill but with a few more turns. In Downhill the athletes have the opportunity to complete a few training runs on the course prior to the actual race. In Super G there are no training runs, only a single opportunity to slowly inspect the course before racing full out. Following the morning race the athletes switch equipment and gears to complete one run of the quick turning slalom course. At the end of six tiring days of competition this event showcases both the athletes' versatility and level of fitness. I am very happy to report that all three of the NAC Ability Ski Team members attending this event not only survived the test of the Super Combined, but brought out some of their best performances of the week!
The 2009 U.S. Adaptive Ski Championships drew to a close today in Winter Park Colorado with the newest event in ski racing, the Super Combined. For those unfamiliar with this event, it requires the athlete to complete one run of Super G and one run of Slalom in one day. Super G is a speed event similar to Downhill but with a few more turns. In Downhill the athletes have the opportunity to complete a few training runs on the course prior to the actual race. In Super G there are no training runs, only a single opportunity to slowly inspect the course before racing full out. Following the morning race the athletes switch equipment and gears to complete one run of the quick turning slalom course. At the end of six tiring days of competition this event showcases both the athletes' versatility and level of fitness. I am very happy to report that all three of the NAC Ability Ski Team members attending this event not only survived the test of the Super Combined, but brought out some of their best performances of the week!
Zack Broderick discovered a love for speed this week, and while his Super G was solid, his Slalom run bumped him up two places to finish 10th in the Men's Sitting category. This showcased the hard work that he has put in all season developing his Slalom skills. Sam Blakley had consistently good runs in both portions of the Combined with a 9th place finish, closing the gap on his Junior aged rival from the East who just squeaked in ahead of Sam. Teague Cowley got one more opportunity to strut his Slalom skills with a run that moved his final result up to 7th place, just behind the U.S. team athletes in the Men's Standing category.
After ten days on the road, the athletes and coaches of the NAC Ability Ski Team are exhausted but excited both by the results from this season and the anticipation of next year. We return to Park City tomorrow. After a few well deserved rest and recovery days the team will begin preparing for next season by getting back to training next week!
Looking forward to seeing everyone.
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