Friday, January 13, 2023

First nordic events World University Games off to exciting start

A waxing nightmare for a classic race with rain, sleet, and heat wet snow. An unexpected finish with the Japanese team grabbing a commanding lead after the midpoint of mixed sprint relay. Team USA nipped the Norwegians entering the final downhill for second place. Sweet and Andersen skied a smart and tactically sound race.

Unfortunately the other very strong American team did not qualify for the finals, as all times for the second semi-final were slow given the onset of a deluge of heavy wet snow. The race was well organized and it was great having the ESPN feed on the Jumbotron. The one glitch, was the professional sports announcer, was not up to speed on all things nordic, as he called the race winner a little early (after the second lap), he did apologize after seeing the tag for the third lap!