Good breeding, Dawson parents!

US Championships

Thu, Jan  7, 2010 - By Erica Madison

Says proud father Ken Dawson, "Natalie did the 10K at the US Nationals on Monday and this is a note from her roommate cheering her on.   Although Natalie ski’s for Rosignol the suit they sent her was too big so she opted for her NSR one."

All photos by Kevin Wright.

OK You should have seen it.  There I was standing at the top of the hill looking down at all these muscley girls maxing out their V2 alternate as they climbed; sweaty, tired, defeated.  Each time one came around the corner in the grayness of the Alaskan afternoon I would say, "that's not her, she is not strong enough", and sure enough it would be some other skinny little college girl racing with a full sponsorship and coach and surely not wanting it as bad as my room mate. 

 

But then out of the trees around a soft snow corner came a powerhouse.  The shadows broke and all I could see were her calves, these round hard balls of pure grit that would pull her legs up the steep Maize hill and behind them followed thick shoulders, poling strong on both sides up even the steepest parts.  "That's her, that's my room mate, no one skis up hills like her." 

 

I busted out my glitter pink sign that said "STRAIGHT UP FROM DETROIT" and screamed as she flew by me.  "Use the hills Nat, eat that hill for dinner babe, that's your strength"  Her strength always surprises me, even though I see her every day in workout tanks and shorts.  Good breeding Dawson Parents!  I love your Daughter and I could not be more proud.