Radamus Leads Team USA in Giant Slalom

In Saturday’s men’s giant slalom in Bormio, Italy Team USA’s River Radamus led the way for the men’s team in 17th place, and first-time Olympian Ryder Sarchett landed 25th. 

“It's a tough business,” said Radamus. “I devote my entire life to standing on that podium knowing full well that the odds are against me so it's difficult on a day like this.” 

It was not a typical race day for the field of mostly World Cup racers. The snow was uncharacteristically soft, with spring-like conditions instead of the typical ice and firm snow skiers are used to. On top of that, the weather fluctuated greatly with snow, rain and more coming in and out throughout the day. That meant the race would be a test for who could adapt to the changing conditions and find speed best, especially with the challenging visibility. 

Team USA athlete River Radamus was the top-seeded American in the discipline. His World Cup season has been a mix of great runs followed by races where things did not click. However, Radamus had his sights set on a big day in the giant slalom. He pushed the best he could on the first run but did not find the rhythm or speed and would end up 12th across the line, and ultimately 17th in the race. Not the finish he was hoping for but he will learn and move on to the remainder of the World Cup season. 

“It’s a blessing to take part in this and it’s a blessing to be able to dream and to be able to try.,” said Radamus. “I'm glad that I tried. I wish I had the best skiing to be on that podium, but I don't have a lot of regrets.” 

First-time Olympian Ryder Sarchett also struggled to find speed on the first run but found a better groove in run two, moving up a few spots to 25th place. He can go home knowing he showed some good turns at his first games. 

“To be able to do this at 22 I'm really stoked and I think it brings a lot of confidence into my next Olympics hopefully,” said Sarchett. “I had some great turns on the second run. I was very disappointed with the first run and happy with a better run.” 

The big story of the day was Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen who secured gold - the first winter Olympics medal for the country. In silver and bronze were Swiss skiers Marco Odermatt and Loic Meillard. 

There is one final Olympic race for the men, the slalom, on February 16th.

RESULTS
Men's giant slalom