Ligety-split!

USA Gets First Alpine Skiing Medal

This just in: Up-and-coming American slalom specialist Ted Ligety done arrived today when he won gold for the USA in a stunning upset in the men's combined. Earlier today the media were gnashing their teeth and rending their garments over the unfortunate disqualification of American loudmouth Bode Miller, who had led the standings after the downhill.

No one tipped Ligety for the podium, although he emerged as a podium contender earlier this season with a silver medal and a pair of bronzes on the World Cup slalom circuit.

Ligety had been in 32nd after the downhill portion of the combined but made it up by dominating in the slalom portion that followed, posting the fastest times of the day in both runs.

The 21 year old had never previously won gold in an international event but he sure came up big when it matter most! In so doing, he salvaged was what shaping up to be a medal-less day for Team USA in spectacular fashion.

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This entry has 9 comments: (Add your own)

#9 Comment from amsail
2/16/06 3:10 PM | Permalink

I feel for these athletes, the media builds all this hype and makes them into super people then when something like missing a gate or a slow time happens they turn on them as if they failed us in some way.
A flush gate is set up to do just that, no one skis big round turns anymore in racing they attack the gates trying to stay as straight as possible. If you throw your skis sideways in a normal turn no chance you could get them around for the next one. Missing a gate is part of racing as much as crashing occasionally is. Bode Miller has nothing to prove to anyone regards his skiing and nothing to apologize for . BTW if anyone has ever taken a hit from one of those hard set bamboo gates you would never advocate going back to them , they hurt like hell even with guards on.
#8 Comment from iypgary
2/15/06 11:30 AM | Permalink

Really good point made by ilkwhtyvdn about the slalom poles. For those of you who don't quite date to the era of John Claude, the poles used to be made from bamboo - typically about 2 inches around, and hammered into the snow. You absolutely had to ski around the poles since catching a tip, or an arm would either put you on the snow, or in the back of the pack. Today the poles are really skied over rather than around, and the racers outfits are designed to do that. Outside of the sleeve like a gauntlet, helmet with a face bar. I'm definitely not trying to say the skiers aren't outstanding but it changes the way the race is run. And really that's what caught Bode, since he was just doing the norm of skiing over and through the poles rather than around them. My suggestion is use the same type gates as GS - the double pole with a banner, but of course in a tighter spread. Safer than bamboo, but still forces a turn. And by all means - big congrats to Ted Ligety. A great win and the combined really is a teriffic event.
#7 Comment from ruusta
2/15/06 8:47 AM | Permalink

If you people followed skiing and miller more than once every four years you would not be posting your ridiculous comments. There is nothing wrong with Bode's "pedal to the metal" style. he is 100% or nothing. The reason he straddled that gate was because he was trying to be a little more conservative and protect his lead...you guys want him to tone it down and be more conservative?,,well there you go, hope you are happy....Bode is like a wild animal who gets harassed by the media as much as Britney Spears,,,I would think anyone without formal trainng on how to deal with the press would fight back against the presslike he did and he doesnt care if you like his style or not...cut the guy some slack, he is a mis-understood...He is the best at what he does, and he is on our team..

Congrats to Ligety on a fine performace. USA is proud of you. He is only 21 and has a long way to go..
#6 Comment from ilkwhtyvdn
2/15/06 4:57 AM | Permalink

Outstanding job Ted !! Very impressive.

I wonder how good all of these folks would be racing with Bamboo poles versus breakaways ?? Most likely a whole different deal and people would actually watch the Olympics like the old days.
#5 Comment from kawasaba
2/15/06 1:56 AM | Permalink

GO BODE! I think you represent yourself and the country well. Individualism is very American. You are a great skier, and certainly your own man, while yet competing hard for the team. I admire your talent, stamina, and ability to retain yourself amongst all the hype.

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