US moguls team talks Sochi venue

By Published On: February 5th, 2014Comments Off on US moguls team talks Sochi venue
Sochi Olympic moguls course (GEPA/Daniel Goetzhaber)

Sochi Olympic moguls course (GEPA/Daniel Goetzhaber)

KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia – A vibrant U.S. Freestyle Moguls squad expressed confidence in their abilities on the Rosa Khutor venue at an opening press conference Monday (Feb. 3) at the Gorki Press Center. Eliza Outtrim and Heidi Kloser talked about their first Olympic experiences, while Bradley Wilson revealed tips from Olympian and bronze medalist brother Bryon.

“My dreams have been to come here, to the Olympics, and to be here is just a dream come true,” said Wilson. “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.”

Hannah Kearney spoke to the press about the level of fitness required to ski moguls and the advantage Team USA may have in the new multi-round format.

“Have you seen my thighs?” quipped Kearney. “I’m made for moguls skiing.” She went on to discuss what it means to the defending champion heading into the Sochi Games.

“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 myself I can barely remember,” noted Kearney. “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.”

U.S. Freestyle Moguls athletes are gearing up for the first women’s qualification Thursday, Feb 6, with the women’s final on Saturday, Feb. 8. The men’s moguls qualification and finals are scheduled for Monday, Feb. 10.

“Conditions don’t really affect us that much,” added Heather McPhie. “We’ve all skied on every different condition and we are able to get up there and ski no matter where we are.”

Release courtesy of USSA

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