After a difficult 2010 season, Morgan Smyth, 24, seems to be back in business and chasing medals. Wednesday, the former US Ski Team racer won the silver medal in the women’s 10K classic at US Senior Nationals in Rumford, Maine. But nothing has come for free.
Despite traveling the farthest distance, few teams outnumber Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Club at the US Nationals in Rumford, Maine. And still, some worthy skiers are left at home.
The second-year U23 skier recently switched programs, returned from injuries and is back with a new perspective. Sadie Bjornsen’s goal for nationals next week is nothing short of the podium.
“Jessie Diggins basically blew by us on the last lap,” said Holly Brooks, who was leading the tour Sunday morning. Sadie Bjornsen (APUNSC) also gapped Brooks at the end, and left Brooks in third place for the overall Nor-Am minitour.
Holly Brooks of Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Club won the 10K skate race with almost a minute to spare to Caitlin Compton (CXC) in second place in extremely soft conditions. That was just the first race of the day.