KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia (Feb. 3) - A vibrant U.S. Freestyle Moguls squad expressed confidence in their abilities on the Rosa Khutor venue at an opening press conference Monday at the Gorki Press Center. Eliza Outtrim (Hamden, CT) and Heidi Kloser (Vail, CO) talked about their first Olympic experiences. Bradley Wilson (Butte, MT) revealed tips from Olympian brother Bryon. And Hannah Kearney (Norwich, VT) talked about the level of fitness required to ski moguls and the advantage Team USA may have in the new multi-round format. U.S. Freestyle Moguls athletes are gearing up for the first women’s moguls qualification Thursday, Feb 6, with the women’s final Saturday, Feb. 8. The men’s moguls qualification and finals are scheduled for Monday, Feb. 10.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The U.S. Ski Team's moguls squad opened the pre-Olympic week in Sochi with a well-attended press conference at the Gorki Media Center in Krasnaya Polyana.
- The team began training this past weekend at Rosa Khutor Extreme Park in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia.
- The new multi-round format was a big topic, with athletes talking to their fitness levels as a key to success. "Have you seen my thighs?" said Olympic champion Hannah Kearney (Norwich, VT). "I'm made for moguls skiing."
- First-time Olympian Bradley Wilson (Butte, MT) got some valuable tips from his brother, 2010 bronze medalist Bryon, to enjoy the moment.
- Another first time Olympian, Eliza Outtrim (Hamden, CT), took confidence in the fact that she was on the podium a year ago. "Coming here knowing I can ski this course well gives me confidence."
- U.S. Freestyle Moguls athletes are gearing up for the first women’s moguls qualification Thursday, Feb 6, with the women’s final Saturday, Feb. 8. The men’s moguls qualification and finals are scheduled for Monday, Feb. 10.
QUOTES
Heather McPhie
Conditions don't really affect us that much. We've all skied on every different condition and we are able to get up there and ski no matter where we are.
Hannah Kearney
You can't really prepare for your first Olympics because the only version you have is what you've seen on TV. But in the last eight years a lot has changed from my training to my attitude to my body. I'm stronger all around. Torino seems like a dream, like a version of my self I can barely remember.
Having the Olympic champion title has had a huge impact on my life in that I will always be your 2010 Olympic champion. But it doesn't change how I train except I know that everyone wants to beat me. When you're on top you can only go down or stay there. It's easier to be the underdog and I use that as motivation.
Bradley Wilson
My dreams have been to come here, to the Olympics, and to be here is just a dream come true. It’s surreal, and all that hard work that we put into this is starting to pay off. I’m really excited to go up and have some fun.
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