U.S. Ski Team names 2013 alpine squad in Vail

Hundreds of fans gathered in Vail’s Arrabelle Square to support the 2013 U.S. Alpine Ski Team Thursday evening. And while Arrabelle resident Lindsey Vonn was notably absent, presumably at home recovering from illness, chances are she could still hear the fans cheering for her. 

Bode Miller and Julia Mancuso were on hand to represent the “Big 4,” as 48 athletes were officially named to the squad in a public celebration that coincides with Vail’s 50th anniversary season. Fresh off her Levi podium performance and quickly emerging as a superstar in her own right, 17-year-old hometown kid Mikaela Shiffrin received possibly the biggest ovation from the crowd.

“In many ways this is a young team, but on all levels it has incredible leadership, both from athletes like Bode, Lindsey, Ted and Julia and with our staff,” says Alpine Director Patrick Riml. “Across the board, this program has a clear vision for success.”

“I’m incredibly proud of this group,” said men’s coach Sasha Rearick. “The effort of our athletes and our coaches have put in during the off season has put us in a strong position for success this season. We also have to thank our sixth man and that’s our training partners. It’s critical to have excellent training partners. What we have here in Colorado and in Soelden is a huge advantage.”

For a complete preview of the 2013 Alpine team, check out the next issue of Ski Racing Magazine on Monday.

Photos: USSA/Sarah Brunson