Skimo March Update
The Wasatch Powderkeg and USA Skimo National Championships just wrapped up with 4 days of racing at Solitude. This year, SBSEF athletes competed in all four disciplines. Below are some highlights from the 4 days of fun and challenging racing.
Mixed Relay
We had two athletes compete in the mixed relay race. Conditions were firm with challenging downhill conditions for the qualification runs, and warm and sunny for the finals heats. After a crash in her qualification run, Anneliese Mennitt came back to finish strong and qualified for the A final heat, along with teammate Aspen Aguero.
Sprint
Conditions for the sprint race were the opposite of the mixed relay, with new snow, flat light, and cold temperatures. We had two SBSEF athletes compete in the sprint race. Both had strong qualifications and outstanding performances in their finals heats. After getting to the top of the course in 2nd position, Anneliese Mennitt stayed focused under pressure and executed a lightning-fast transition, finishing 1st in the U12 mixed-gender finals heat. In the U16 girls’ race, Amelia Baker had a great finals heat and finished 3rd.
Individual
SBSEF athletes Amelia Baker and Dorothy Hastings raced in the individual event, consisting of 3 climbs and descents with approximately 3,000’ of elevation gain. The uphill sections of the course were challenging, with slippery skinning conditions and icy off-camber kick turns on the second two ascents. Unfortunately, both athletes had multiple skin failures, but everyone stayed focused despite the setbacks and had a fun day of racing.
Vertical
Amelia Baker competed in the vertical event consisting of a single 1,700’ ascent. She showed great strategy, starting conservatively and ramping up in the second half of the race, finishing 3rd in the U16 girls race.
Team Awards
This year, we will have our team awards after practice on March 24th. We hope to see all of our athletes and parents there.
Skimo Head Coach