With the team event two days later, I was ready to turn my skiing around and get back on track to skiing well again. Bryan had a great idea to put these American Flag Mustache tattoos on to bring the team together. The whole staff and athletes did this and I felt we were in a metal state to do very well. The feeling I got from our team put me into a great mental state and I was ready to compete. The Conditions at the hill started off pretty good. There was a slight headwind that would make for some great and long jumps. Jumping started off well with first two guys putting in pretty strong and respectable jumps for our team. Then it was my turn. I was nervous as hell and was able to put myself into a relaxed state. The wind became pretty strong and they delayed my start a couple minutes so they could make it fair. But then the jury decided it would be fair if they moved me down 6 gates and then send me. But in the time that they decided to do that, the STRONG headwind that was going before me , turned to slight or even tail wind which made it very challenging to get a long jump. I did what I could and didn't have the best jump but a respectable jump for those conditions. Luckily the jury saw that I had no chance to go far and decided to restart the 3rd group of athletes. It is not often that you get this chance to redo your competition round. I went up and made the best of the conditions and put a jump 14 meters long at 93 meters. This was a huge relief for myself and my team. This put us in the hunt for the race and for a World Championship medal.
The race was going to be hard, Team USA started 1:02 behind the leaders Japan. I was starting first, and I knew my task was simple. As a strong xc skier, I was confident that I would be able to make up some time on the front teams and put ourselves in a good position. I made up way more that I expected and tagged my brother off in a great position to ski his race and stay with the leaders. He did an unbelievable job and tagged Todd off in the leading group. Todd then did exactly what he needed and tagged billy off in the lead, so he could ski his race of choice. Billy did a great job and pushed the pace, but was unable to get away for the gold. On the last hill the Norwegian team and French team pushed the pace that bill was unable to match, but also the japanese team and austrian team fell off of billy and he was able to ski away for bronze and 3rd place in the world championships.
I would like to thank all my sponsors for the time and belief they have had in me. Atomic has been my first sponsor and only sponsor of skis, they are amazing. Swix, makes the worlds best poles, and Im glad to be with them. USANA is a new but amazing sponsor. They are a fantastic vitamins and Nutritional Company out of Salt lake City, that makes safe and healthy products. These vitamins keep me healthy with all the traveling and racing! Fast Big dog Racing and Space Station Gas. These are two great individual guys who have believed in Bryan and I and wanted to simply support us to become better athletes by offsetting simple costs of Rents and travel. Rudy Project North America. I believe that Rudy Project makes some of the best glasses and Helmets available. From Riding a Bike to racing in the winter, I trust in there product to allow me to clearly see in the snow and be safe while training in the summer. Finally, Honey Stinger, small company that started in Steamboat Springs, Colorado my hometown. They make very tasty and effective energy and protein bars and chewy gels that are give me a great pre-race snack and after race recovery food. Thanks Guys.
There are two more races left, and I am motivated and ready. Lets see if USA can't bring home some more hardware.
Thanks everyone