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.
Jessie Diggins (CXC Elite) might be the youngest on the CXC Elite squad, but the 19-year-old has stepped up to the challenges of the senior circuit. And she still has more to offer.
“I’m very excited, the last races went really well,” said Brian Gregg, who is coming off a series of solid performances at the Nor-Am events leading up to Christmas and seems to burst with energy.
The last-year junior from the Methow Valley is using US Nationals as an opportunity to secure his ticket to the Junior World Championships in Estonia. Only the top five juniors in the country are named to the team.
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.