US Sprinters Newell and Randall win FasterSkier Performance of the Year

Honorable Mention: Kris Freeman (USA). 5th place in the World Cup 15km classic in Kuusamo, Finland. This was the high point of a tough season in which Kris battled illness and a tough climb toward full capacity. Only 7.1 seconds out of second place in this race, Freeman showed that when in top form he is still a medal contender.

Performance of the Year (women):

Kikkan Randall (USA). Kikkan Randall’s World Cup victory in Rybinsk, Russia. Randall became the first American woman to win a World Cup race when she made a strong move on the steep climb during the freestyle sprint in mid-December. This was a monumental day for US skiing and while there were many other fine performances by North American women, this one tops the list because of the historic significance.

Honorable Mention: Chandra Crawford’s World Cup sprint victory on her home course in Canmore, Liz Stephen’s bronze medal at U23 championships.

Other FasterSkier Awards:

– Harvey and Sargent are FasterSkier Juniors of the Year (April 21)
– Stephen and Kuzzy are FasterSkier Rookies of the Year (April 22)
– Maria Grevsgaard and Marius Korthauer win FasterSkier Collegiate Skier of the Year awards (April 23)
– Babikov and Strandberg win FasterSkier Continental Skier of the Year (April 24)
– FS Performance of the Year (April 28)
– FS Skiers of the Year (April 29)

Related on FasterSkier.com:

– Randall Wins!
– Andy Newell Second in World Cup Sprint!

– Kikkan Randall to Repeat Procedure to Remove Blood Clot
– Jonsson and Randall Win Sprint at Canadian Nationals
– Newell Wins Qualifying Round, Randall, Crawford, and Kershaw in Heats
– Crawford Wins in Canmore! Randall 8th
– Randall and Newell Win Sprint National Titles