Top 12 Reasons that the U.S. Ski Team has the Awesomest Athletes in the World
Experiencing the precipitation hybrid that you can only encounter in the East brought my teammates and I closer together during NorAm Finals . It is something like sleet or slush, although more reminiscent of freezing rain; I believe that it has yet to be defined. It is always met with heavy sighs and foiled plans, but provided ample bonding time with racers that I hadn’t seen all season. I feel it is my duty to enlighten all of you of a small sample of their fabulousness:
Top 12 Reasons that the U.S. Ski Team has the Awesomest Athletes in the World
12. Sterling Grant’s flair for fashion. It is constant amusement to see what new concoction of denim, sequins, or leather she unveils each night come dinnertime.
11. Megan McJames’ love for candy. She always has a nice little stash of sweets, something that does not go unnoticed or unappreciated while on tour.
10. Nolan Kasper’s audacity. Bold on the slopes and off; you are equally likely to see him throw himself down a tight slalom course or sit down at a table full of World Cup female racers none of which he has met before.
9. Hailey Duke’s production expertise. She makes fantastic movies and if it weren’t for copyright and trademarking laws, I truly believe her films would be cult favorites.
8. Dane Spencer’s left handed bowling prowess. He gets the curve going and an inevitable strike follows.
7. Jimmy Cochran’s uncanny knack of making a simple conversation into an intellectual dispute, eventually convincing you of his point.
6. Laurenne Ross’ musical mastery. Little known in the ski racing community, Laurenne is our resident musician. She plays the violin effortlessly, and sings beautifully. Many a night this season, I fell asleep to the sweet and melancholy notes of Laurenne’s strings.
5. Sarah Schleper de Gaxiola’s remarkable ability to be an amazing mother, fierce competitor, caring teammate, and complete nut all at once.
4. Michael Ankeny’s peanut butter jelly dance. Watching his slalom skiing secured my respect, but viewing his dance moves is what instantly made me a fan.
3. Julia Ford’s forgetful good- naturedness. She may be the first person to misplace the liners for her boots, but she is also the first person to share her lunch and offer a smile.
2. Keely Kelleher’s infectious laugh and irrepressible attitude. When her successful career in ski racing is over, she could have a lucrative future in motivational speaking if she so desires.
1. Lindsey Vonn’s domination. Predictable, I know, but her performance this season is undeniably awesome. I figure she deserves the top spot.
Up top are some examples of awesomeness. From left- Megan McJames, Hailey Duke, Sterling Grant, Keely Kelleher, Sarah Schleper de Gaxiola, and me