Sunday, January 17, 2010

World Cup Race #7

It was a huge week here in St. Moritz, Switzerland. We had a lot on the line, with the Olympic Dreams of a few depending on the outcome of todays race. With that, the Olympic teams were named that will compete for the USA in Vancouver.

First though, we had to qualify the men and womens 3rd sled. Bree Schaff successfully piloted her way down the long fast bobtrack to earn her Olympic Spot. She will be joined by brakemen Emily Azevedo.

Shauna Rohbock got on the podium for a fifth place and will be joined in Vancouver with brakemen Micky Rzepka. Micky is perhaps the best brakemen on the women's circuit.
USA 2 pilot Erin Pac will be joined by her brakemen Ellana Myers. They had the second fastest push of the day. If Ellana keeps improving week after week, she will be a dominate force in Vancouver.

On the mens side Mike Kohn had to finish 13th in the two man event to go to the Olympics. Powered by brakemen Curt Tomasevicz, they finished 11th. It was one of the most exciting experiences I've been involved with. Curts second push to me was the best push I've seen an American push athlete achieve since I've been around the sport, either as an athlete, therapist and coach.

The four man event on Sunday was equally nerve racking Mike Kohn had to finish 14th or better to qualify the 3rd sled and get 3 other athletes to the Olympics. With an inspired push crew, they finished an outstanding 6th place.
Steve Holcumb again powered by the fastest push of the day finished 4th.
So for the mens side, here is the team that will represent USA in the 2010 Olympics.


USA I:

Steven Holcomb (Park City, Utah)
Justin Olsen (San Antonio, Texas)
Steve Mesler (Buffalo, N.Y.)
Curt Tomasevicz (Shelby, Neb.)

USA II:

John Napier (Lake Placid, N.Y.)
Chuck Berkeley (Clayton, Calif.)
Steve Langton (Melrose, Mass.)
Chris Fogt (Alpine, Utah)

USA III:

Mike Kohn (Myrtle Beach, S.C.)
Jamie Moriarty (Winnetka, Ill.)
Bill Schuffenhauer (Orem, Utah)
Nick Cunningham (Monterey, Calif.)

Congrats to all these future Olymians. Next stop, Igles Austria.

3 comments:

Kelly Ross said...

Go USA!!!!! Congrats to all the athletes!!!

Barb said...

hey Jason, now your favorite mother in law is following your blog.

Jason Ross said...

Lol...nice!