Smith is U.S. Downhill champion
ASPEN, Colo. — Leanne Smith, of Conway, was crowned the U.S. champion in downhill in Aspen Saturday. Smith edged out teammates Stacey Cook (Mammoth, Calif.) and Laurenne Ross (Klamath Falls, Ore.) for the win.
“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 a time of 1:38.24 to top the solid field made up of past U.S. champions, Olympians, and U.S. Ski Team memebers only three tenths ahead of Cook with Ross a mere two tenths shy of Cook for the final podium spot.
“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.) and Lauren Samuels (Golden Valley, Min.). Marno posted a top-10 result overall in ninth, followed by Lauren Samuels (Golden Valley, Min.) 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 the U.S. champion, I have’t done that yet. It’s exciting!”
This success comes on the heels of Smith’s first Olympic Games.
Smith, 22, the daughter of Paula and Joe Smith of Conway, finished 21st overall and was the third American finisher, beating Lindsey Vonn, in the Feb. 18 super- combined. The event combines downhill and slalom. Her final event was the Super G, and again she was solid, finishing 18th and was the third American finisher behind Julia Mancusco and Vonn, who won a bronze medal.
Smith was slated to leave the country on Monday, heading to a Women’s Alpine World Cup in Crans Montana, Switzerland. There are two downhill training runs planned for Wednesday and Thursday; the super-combined race is Friday; the downhill is Saturday; and a super G is planned for Sunday. After that, Smith will head to Garmisch, Germany for another series of World Cup races.