Two US Skiers get the Podium

The trick about Super G is that while it’s the same course as downhill, the start is lower down and the turns crisper.  Plus, the skiers don’t get a warm-up run, just an inspection of the course.  In a way, they have to remember how they skied during the downhill competition and adapt their style from there.

The first surprise of the day was Andrew Weibrecht setting the pace for the rest of the skiers.  At first, it looked like Weibrecht made a serious bobble on the “coaches corner” but he recovered swiftly enough to time in at 1:30.65.  Italy’s Fills looked like he might beat Weibrecht, but fell just feet from the finish.  I’m sure he was disappointed, but he jumped right up and grinned at his mistake.

Bode Miller made an interesting choice and used his downhill skis instead of his shorter, super g skis. The longer skis increase speed, but are harder to turn. It turned out to be a good move, as Miller beat his teammate by .03 seconds

But no one was going to top Aksel Svindal of Norway.  Svindal had a massive crash at Beaver Creek 2 years ago that would have ended anyone else’s career, but apparently, he grew stronger.  He fearlessly barreled down the course, made tougher by rising temperatures that softened the snow near the bottom.   He shaved down Miller’s time by .28 seconds and won gold.

Final standings put Bode Miller at silver and Andrew Weibrecht at bronze. Miller chuckled when it was pointed out that he is now the most decorated US skier, saying it wouldn’t last long, that the ladies still had to ski again. Nice nod to the gals, Bode!

There was a tense moment when Patrick Jarbyn of Sweden fell badly and looked like he was knocked out, but reports say he has only a concussion and some face abrasions. Thank heaven!