Last one out Ludlow focused on proving her worth at Lake Louise

Last one out Ludlow focused on proving her worth at Lake Louise{mosimage}Libby Ludlow is getting a bit testy about her World Cup fortunes. She missed qualifying for the opening Soelden giant slalom race by one position and now will have to sit out the first of the two Lake Louise downhills after coming in second to Stacey Cook in a shootout for the final quota spot. It doesn’t sit well with the fiery Ludlow.

“I’m skiing well and I want to show it,” said Ludlow. She bolstered her cause with a 21st placing in the final downhill training run, but Cook skied even better, coming in sixth.
    
Regardless of the outcome in the first downhill, Ludlow will be on the start list for the second race, but that offers little consolation. “There are only four more downhill races left before the Olympics, so I’ve reduced my chances by one-fifth,” said Ludlow. “I have a lot of goals this season and I want to do well and get to the Olympics.”
    
Head U.S. women’s coach Patrick Riml sympathizes with Ludlow’s plight, but views the situation as a positive for the team. “We have only seven spots in downhill this year, because Libby and Stacey were hurt most of last season,” said Riml. “But it’s not a big deal because both are skiing so well. If Stacey skis well in the race, she can earn us another spot, and the same with Libby in the second race.” Riml continued, “It’s positive because they will be pushng themselves and this competition will keep them all going. Libby did a great job, but Stacey skied faster. If they do the same thing in the races we’ll have another spot.”
    
But still, it’s irksome for Ludlow, who has been a World Cup regular for the past three years before she lost her spot because of her injury. “Nothing has come easily for me,” said Ludlow. “I feel I’ve proven myself and now I have to do it all over again.”  
    
No one need worry about Ludlow’s motivation for the second downhill race. “I know I’ll be pissed off and ready to go. I’ve got nothing to lose and hopefully I’ll come away with some reward.”