Soldier Hollow nationals: Anchorage skiers savor super Sunday

Soldier Hollow nationals: Anchorage skiers savor super Sunday{mosimage}SOLDIER HOLLOW, Utah – Olympian Kikkan Randall of Anchorage, Alaska, who came to town looking to win two national titles, completed a personal ‘hat trick’ Sunday, tying for first in the women’s 5-kilometer skate race with junior Liz Stephen.

James Southam, also of Anchorage, successfully defended his men’s 10 km title.

Randall, who won the sprint gold medal Thursday and the 10 km classic technique crown Saturday, deadlocked with Stephen, who is doing a postgraduate year at Burke Mountain Academy, in 14 minutes, 48.7 seconds. Completing the podium was Kate Pearson, yet another Anchorage skier.

In the men’s two-lap 10 km, Southam finished in 25:38.2 with Lars Flora (also Anchorage) silver medalist with a time of 26:24.6. Chad Giese finished third in 26:35.4.

The championships conclude Tuesday with the pursuits – men’s 30 km (15 km CL+15 km FR) and women’s 20 km (10 km +10 km). Final U.S. Olympic team selections will be announced Jan. 17.

– Courtesy USSA News Bureau