U.S. racers are one step closer to their Olympic dream

Thu, Dec  17, 2009 - By FIS

Sovereign Lake, B.C. - U.S. racers Garrott Kuzzy (CXC Skiing) and Canadian racers Gordon Jewett Dasha Gaiazova are one step closer to their Olympic dream after great results in Monday's Haywood/Teck NorAm race.

Acting as an Olympic qualifying race, the U.S. dominated the podium today. James Southam and Matt Liebsch took second and third. In the women's division U.S. skiers Holly Brooks and Rebecca Dussault took first and third, with Gaiazova taking second place.

Having focused for this race Kuzzy's coach had high praise for his athlete. "Fifteen km skate, it's right up his alley, definitely something he's targeting for the Olympics and it's an athletic course, it's a skier course, he can do well on this course, it suits him." Finishing with a 50 second lead, Kuzzy demonstrated how well it suited him today.

"It was a fun day, I felt really strong. I was here in early November, spending the whole time training for this event in particular. I don't feel like I've peaked yet, the Canadians are strong, and they're good competition," said Kuzzy

When asked about the Canadian competition, Kuzzy's coach remarked, "Gord skied well today, Garrett was just on another level."

Based on the results from today's race the Canadian Olympic Committee will decide who will represent Canada in February for the Freestyle distance race. In the 15km free Jewett was the first Canadian in, taking fourth place in 38min 43 secs.

Jewett was pleased with his race today. "I'm at a good level now, I just have to step it up one notch higher for the Olympics."

In the women's 10km free division, Gaiazova took second place in 29 min 46 secs.