US Olympic Team athlete nominations announced today

2014 Winter Olympics

Wed, Jan  22, 2014 - By USSA

PARK CITY, UT (Jan. 22) – The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association announced the nomination of 14 cross country athletes Wednesday afternoon. World Champions Kikkan Randall and Jessie Diggins will lead the team that includes seven athletes with Olympic experience. Randall, a two-time World Cup sprint champion, is going into the Games as a strong favorite. The U.S. team has been heralded for the strength of its roster throughout the season thus far and is expected to challenge the strong international field for Olympic medals. The formal naming of the 2014 U.S. Olympic Team by the United States Olympic Committee is set for Jan. 27.

14 athletes, led by World Champion Kikkan Randall, were nominated to the U.S. Olympic team in cross country skiing today. (Photo: Reese Brown)

HIGHLIGHTS

• The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association announced the nomination of 14 cross country athletes to compete in in the Olympic Winter Games.
• Men nominated to the team include Erik Bjornsen (Winthrop, WA), Kris Freeman (Concord, NH), Brian Gregg (Winthrop, WA), Simi Hamilton (Aspen, CO), Noah Hoffman (Aspen, CO), Torin Koos (Leavenworth, WA) and Andy Newell (Shaftsbury, VT).
• The women’s cross country team nominations include Sadie Bjornsen (Winthrop, WA), Holly Brooks (Anchorage), Sophie Caldwell (Peru, VT), Jessie Diggins (Afton, MN), Kikkan Randall (Anchorage), Ida Sargent (Orleans, VT) and Liz Stephen (East Montpelier, VT).
• World Champions Randall and Diggins will lead a team that includes seven athletes with Olympic experience.
• Randall, a two-time World Cup sprint champion, is going into her fourth Games as a strong favorite.
• The U.S. team has been heralded for the strength of its roster throughout the season thus far and is expected to challenge the strong international field for Olympic medals.
• Athletes were selected from World Cup and international points rankings.
• The team is led by coaches Chris Grover, Matt Whitcomb and Jason Cork.
• The U.S. Olympic Committee will formally name the 2014 U.S. Olympic Team on January 27.

2014 OLYMPIC CROSS COUNTRY NOMINATIONS
Men’s Cross Country
Erik Bjornsen, Winthrop, WA (7/14/1991)
Brian Gregg, Winthrop, WA (6/27/1984)
Kris Freeman, Concord, NH (10/14/1980) *
Simi Hamilton, Aspen, CO (5/14/1987) *
Noah Hoffman, Aspen, CO (8/1/1989)
Torin Koos, Leavenworth, WA (7/19/1980) *
Andy Newell, Shaftsbury, VT (11/30/1983) *

Women’s Cross Country
Sadie Bjornsen, Winthrop, WA (11/21/1989)
Holly Brooks, Anchorage (4/17/1982) *
Sophie Caldwell, Peru, VT (3/22/1990)
Jessie Diggins, Afton, MN (8/26/1991)
Kikkan Randall, Anchorage (12/31/1982) *
Ida Sargent, Orleans, VT (1/25/1988)
Liz Stephen, East Montpelier, VT (1/12/1987) * 

* Competed in past Olympics

Competition uniforms provided by Bjorn Daehlie.

QUOTES
Chris Grover, Head Cross Country Coach
We have a unique opportunity to make history in Sochi. Our team speaks to years of dedication, experience and hard work with veterans setting the stage to turn that work into great results. Additionally, our younger athletes are fighting for results and have shown that they have earned their spots on this team. We're ready for the challenge ahead.

All nominations are subject to approval by the U.S. Olympic Committee.

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