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The University of Utah Athletics
Ute Ski Team Represented Well at Olympics
2/26/2002 12:00 AM | Skiing
Feb. 26, 2002
SOLDIER HOLLOW, Utah - University of Utah skier, Torin Koos and former Ute skier, Kristina Joder competed in the 2002 Olympic Winter Games sprint competition, representing not only the U.S., but the Utah ski team as well.
Koos - a member of the U.S. Ski Team - competed in the men's 1.5km sprint. Of the 72 starters, only the top-16 competitors advanced to elimination rounds. Koos finished mid-pack, with a 37th place showing. The Junior from Leavenworth, Wash. has seen limited racing for the Utes this season due to U.S. Ski Team competition.
"It was a tremendous experience," said Koos. "The idea of the best athletes coming from all over the world and laying down their arms to come together to compete was a great ideal."
Joder was an All-American and four time NCAA qualifier for the Utes. After running out of eligibility last season, Joder returned to the Utes this year as a fifth-year student assistant. In a field of 58, Joder placed 48th in the women's 1.5km sprint. In the women's 15km free technique - mass start - she finished 54th out of 60 comepetitors, Joder hales from Landgrove, Vt.
"The experience was amazing," said Joder. "It was something that I had always dreamed of. It was great to be competing in the U.S. and have the support of the entire nation."
"Competing at the Olympics is very rewarding," said Utah ski coach Kevin Sweeney. "I am very proud of Torin and Kristina. They are still in their developing stages and this is a great stepping stone for them to reach a higher level of competition. It shows that they are coming from a program that has all the ingredients necessary for skiing success, including great venues for training and a strong support staff. It demonstrates that athletes can have a chance to get an education and compete at a high level."
"The experience I have had at Utah has been very beneficial," reaffirms Koos. "On the athletic side, it's nice to be part of an excellent team with a tremendous coaching staff. Academically, the experience I have had at Utah is very valuable."
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