Introducing Fischer Craft

FasterSkier · October 9, 2007

Nordic industry leaders Fischer Sports and Craft Sports USA are proud to present Fischer/Craft Cross Country Racing Team. Focusing on the development of American athletes, the Fischer Craft team begins its inaugural year with a talented lineup of experienced and up and coming US ski racers. Each of these athletes has their own personal goals in skiing, but all dream of making the 2010 Olympic team. With the support and direction of Fischer and Craft, these athletes will work together to achieve their own goals and those of the collective team and its ultimate mission, to support and inspire the sport of Cross Country Skiing in the US.

www.Fischercraft.com, which will allow the skiing community to follow each athlete’s progress throughout the year. These athletes will also write articles about training, racing and traveling to help educate younger or newer racers to the sport.

Chris Hall, Nordic Race Director for Fischer feels very optimistic about the team for the coming year. â€œ We have an number of new faces on the team, which are new to Fischer but have been very competitive in the US racing circuit for the past few years. When you combine this new talent with the skiers who have returned for Fischer, we will have a very strong team, a team that is excited to be racing in the US, both on the SuperTour and at many of the large domestic Marathon races.â€ Chris will provide management and technical support for the team at all major North American Nordic events.

Andrew Johnson: Andrew is a new member of the Fischer/Craft team. An 8-year veteran of the US Ski team, Andrew has decided to focus on domestic racing for the next 2 years before making a run at the 2010 US Olympic team. Andrew is a 2 time Olympian, a 3 time World Championship team member and a 2 time National Champion.

Zach Violett: A graduate of the U of Alaska, Zach grew up in California, racing as a junior with the Auburn Ski Club. Zach is a 3 time NCAA all-American skier with 3 top ten finishes at the US National Championships. A strong classic skier, Zach placed 2nd at the 2007 Boulder Mountain Tour.

Kate Whitcomb: A graduate of Middlebury College, Kate is the 2007 American Birkie Champion, the first US woman to win since 2002. Kate finished the 2007 season ranked 3rd overall in the US SuperTour standings and had 2-top ten finishes at the 2007 US Championships. Kate trains with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation.

Colin Rodgers: Graduated from Middlebury College, Colin is a strong sprinter, finishing in the top ten the last 4 years at the US National Championships, but has also shown to be a capable distance racer by finishing 5th at the 2007 American Birkie and 2 top ten finishes to date at US National championship distance events.

Brayton Osgood: Brayton is a graduate of Dartmouth College and hails from Putney, Vermont. Two years ago, Brayton relocated to Bend and currently trains with XC Oregon. Brayton is a strong all around distance skier with a special liking for classic interval start races and has numerous top ten finishes in National Championship events.

Nicole Deyong: Born and raised in Anchorage and graduate of the University of Alaska, Anchorage Nicole was a top collegiate ski racer at UAA. Nicole was 2nd place at the 2005 NCAA Championships and has posted top ten results at US National championships.

Adam Swank: In his spare time, Adam is an ER doctor in Duluth, MN. Originally from Rhinelander, WI, Adam is a strong threat to win any long distance mass start race. His top results from last year include 2nd place in the Mora Vasaloppet, 2nd in the Noquenamon and 3rd place in the City of Lakes Loppet.

Follow the team at Fischercraft.com or visit fischerskis.com and craftsports.us for the latest Team news and product updates.