I am now off to Chaykovsky, Russia for my first World Cup of the season! I am really excited to compete in a new country and at a new venue.
Happy New Year!!!
This past weekend, I competed in my first Olympic Trials in Park City. The atmosphere was incredible. Over a thousand of spectators showed up and NBC was there to televise the competitions. It almost felt like I was back at the Olympic games in 2002! There were a total of 10 athletes gunning for the first chance to make it to Sochi, Russia in February (winner of OT automatically qualifies for the Olympics). Saturday morning, I had another hard time on the ski jump and disappointedly jumped into 9th place, over 2 minutes back from the leader, and five time Olympian, Todd Lodwick. The cross country race however went much better. My official time back from Lodwick was 2:32 but started in a "bus" start. This means that everyone that is supposed to start after 2 minutes actually starts in a wave at 2 minutes. Because I my official time was 2:32, I would have to beat everyone I passed by at least 32 seconds. I skied a strong race and caught three skiers but could not beat two of them by 32 seconds. I ended up 8th overall with the 5th fastest cross country time. I know now that I can ski with the best in the world, but need to work harder on my ski jumping so that I actually have a chance of making the podium. Todd Lodwick ended up winning the event earning him the first spot on the nordic combined Olympic team. Sochi will be Todd's 6th Olympics!
I am now off to Chaykovsky, Russia for my first World Cup of the season! I am really excited to compete in a new country and at a new venue. Happy New Year!!!
Molly Ireland
1/7/2014 11:40:58 am
Hi Michael! It was good to see you at Highlands, though it was a quick siting. I found your site and Don and the rest of the family will be following your efforts. I just read your post from 12/31. I also read it to Don, who just got home from AVH after having a partial knee replacement. He's doing fine, and we wish you all the best in your quest. molly
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Michael WardHi! My name is Michael Ward. I am a 23 year old from Aspen, CO now living in Park City, UT to continue my career as a Nordic Combined athlete. I am on the 2015-16 US Nordic Combined Team and am honored to live and train with the best in the world. Archives
February 2016
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