MADISON, Wis. (Jan. 16) – Thirteen cross country skiers, including seven 2002 Olympians, have been named to compete next month in the World Nordic Ski Championships in Germany, U.S. Nordic Director Luke Bodensteiner announced.
The announcement was made in Madison, a SuperTour race site following the U.S. Cross Country Championships on the 2002 Olympic trails at Soldier Hollow, Utah. Bodensteiner said the team includes eight men and five women. Seven of the eight men were members of the 2003 World Championships Team while two of the women raced two years ago in Val di Fiemme, Italy.
The U.S. cross country squad for the 2005 World Championships Feb. 17-27 in Oberstdorf, Germany (* – member of 2003 Worlds team):
Men – Dave Chamberlain* (29; Bethel, ME), Lars Flora* (27; Anchorage, AK; 2002 Olympian), Kris Freeman* (24; Andover, NH; 2002 Olympian), Andrew Johnson* (27; Greensboro, VT; 2002 Olympian), Torin Koos* (24; Leavenworth, WA; 2002 Olympian), Andy Newell* (21; Shaftsbury, VT), James Southam (26; Anchorage, AK), Carl Swenson* (34; Park City, UT; 1994, 2002 Olympian).
Women – Rebecca Dussault (24; Gunnison, CO); Sarah Konrad (37; Laramie, WY), Kikkan Randall* (22; Anchorage, AK; 2002 Olympian), Wendy Wagner* (31; Park City, UT; 2002 Olympian) and Lindsay Williams (20; Hastings, MN). Konrad also qualified and will compete in the biathlon World Championships March 4-13 in Hochfilzen, Austria.
“This is a strong team with a nice mix of experience and some promising young skiers moving into the international arena,” Bodensteiner said. “We have high expectations for these skiers, but perhaps not as high as they have for themselves. This is another good step forward as we get ready for the 2006 Olympics in Torino [Italy].”
Source: USSA
