:</b></p>
<p>Andy Newell (USA). Andy Newell’s second place finish in the freestyle sprint in Lahti at the beginning of March. This was the top World Cup result of any male North American this season, as well as being a career-best for the US sprinter. </p>
<p><i>Honorable Mention:</i> 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.</p>
<p><b>Performance of the Year (women):</b></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><i>Honorable Mention:</i> Chandra Crawford’s World Cup sprint victory on her home course in Canmore, Liz Stephen’s bronze medal at U23 championships. </p>
<p><center><img decoding=)
– 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

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