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U.S. Ski Team

Shiffrin under pressure after stunning ski result

Last updated Monday, January 2, 2012 - 6:13pm

ZAGREB, Croatia -- Mikaela Shiffrin suddenly faces an aspect of skiing altogether new to her -- handling pressure.

The 16-year-old American had a remarkable third-place finish in a World Cup slalom last week. In only her eighth race on the circuit, Shiffrin was even faster than idol and world champion Marlies Schild in winning the second run in Lienz, Austria.

Now comes Tuesday's night slalom on the Sljeme hill, and all the expectations.

"Mikeala has to learn to deal with that," U.S. women's head coach Alex Hoedlmoser said Monday. "I think she is very focused and down to earth and she knows what she's capable of. She should just stay cool and do her thing."

Hoedlmoser has spoken several times with Shiffrin the last few days.

Skiing, Sports, U.S. Ski Team, Winter Sports, World Cup Read more Comments

U.S. Ski Team partners with Copper for training run

Pat Graham The Associated Press

Last updated Wednesday, November 2, 2011 - 1:37pm

COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. -- Just two weeks before its scheduled opening, the winding downhill course remains mostly covered in mud with hints of scrub brush poking through the only traces of snow in sight.

In years past, it would have taken a blizzard for this slope to have a shot at being skiable anytime soon.

Only, this isn't any year and this isn't any trail.

The U.S. Ski Team has invested millions to partner with Copper Mountain and launch its own training run at the resort from Nov. 1 to Dec. 10. There are 87 automated snowmaking guns on standby, prepared to work around the clock to blanket the nearly two-mile course and guarantee Olympic gold medalists such as Lindsey Vonn, Julia Mancuso, Bode Miller and Ted Ligety an early base of solid snow under their skis.

Ski Resorts, Skiing, Sports, U.S. Ski Team Read more Comments