Even with her recent shin injury, it is not a huge surprise that Vonn won the women’s downhill to day to collect her first gold medal, and it’s also not a huge surprise that Julia Mancuso reached the podium as well. Perhaps more that any other racer Mancuso brings the big stuff for big events – just like she did when she won the gold medal in Torino’s giant slalom. She had a blazing run, charging the whole way and nailing the important sections. When the press conference starts, I have got to ask her how she does it.
I stood next to Lindsey’s brother during the race, as well as the entire “Vontourage.” They were a jittery bunch, all waiting to see if the pressure and stress that comes with being the most hyped athlete of the Olympics, would turn out for the best, or worst. Then there was the unpredictable impact Lindsey’s shin bang would have on her result. My opinion all along has been that the pain would melt away as she kicked out of the gate. Lindsey charged hard, absolutely unleashing on the course.
After she finished, two racers remained at the top who could bring her down – Anja Paerson and Maria Riesch. Both experienced racers, who can also step it up in big events. For the record, my podium prediction was Vonn, Paerson, Mancuso. I would have been right had it not been for Paerson’s rugged crash off the final jump. She squatted coming in and launched into the air. For a second it looked as if she would pull it out, but she flew so high and far – 200 feet – that the forces were too great and she imploded, spinning through the finish. It was pretty horrific, and when it happened Vonn gasped and ducked away so she would not see. The TV crew cut out the jumbotron in case her crash was really bad. Paerson was about three tenths out – a sure medal contender.
Maria Riesch had a long course hold after Paerson’s crash. She was not on her game, well behind at the first split.
The race is still underway. One of the later racers had to be evacuated from the course – she hooked up, did the splits and crashed thought the fencing.
More from the press conference, when we’ll hear from the American top 2.
A look at the downhill course as the crowd poured in Wednesday morning. MK Photo
In the finish with VT racer Chelsea Marshall and her brother Jesse. MK Photo
