February 28, 2010
Smith claims U.S. women's downhill title
by PR Wire Report/
Leanne Smith (Conway, N.H.) was crowned U.S. women's downhill champion on Saturday. (photo: Clive Ross/Getty Images)
Leanne Smith (Conway, N.H.) was crowned the U.S. champion in women’s downhill on Saturday at Aspen, Colo. Smith edged out teammates Stacey Cook (Mammoth, Calif.) and Laurenne Ross (Klamath Falls, Ore.) for the win.
Chelsea Marshall (Pittsfield, Vt.) was fifth and Julia Ford (Plymouth, N.H.) was seventh.
"The weather was great today. We were all really psyched on how it turned out," said Smith. "It was a good race and the snow was great."
Smith laid down the fastest time to top the solid field made up of past U.S. champions, Olympians, and U.S. Ski Team members. Smith posted a time of 1 minute, 38.24 seconds, only three-tenths ahead of Cook in second. Ross trailed Cook by a mere two tenths in third, landing the final spot on the coveted podium.
"My run was good," explained Smith. "I had mistakes here and there, but I'm skiing more consistent."
The top juniors were Anna Marno (Steamboat Springs, Colo.), Canada's Tess Davies and Lauren Samuels (Golden Valley, Minn.). Marno posted a top-10 result overall in ninth, followed by Samuels in 14th.
Smith will take her win with her as she heads into the latter portion of the 2010 World Cup season for motivation and confidence.
"Today was a confidence booster, said Smith. “I'm happy to be national champion, I have't done that yet. It's exciting!"
The remaining disciplines for U.S. Alpine Championships will be held at Whiteface Mountainin Lake Placid, N.Y., at the end of March.
