Mancuso tells NBC’s TODAY the tiara is packed

Julia Mancuso’s signature tiara in Vancouver (GEPA/Wolfgang Grebien)

Julia Mancuso appeared live from her fourth Olympic Games in Sochi on NBC’s “TODAY” during the Wednesday morning (Feb. 5) broadcast, telling viewers that she packed her signature tiara worn on the podium in Vancouver for her trip to Russia.

“I’ve had a different journey to every Olympic Games,” said Mancuso. “Going into Vancouver, once again I was coming back from injuries and I got those medals, so it was just another kickstart to another great four years.”

Mancuso has collected a total of three Olympic medals in her career including giant slalom gold in 2006 and downhill and combined silver in 2010. But her season this year got off to a rocky start as she was challenged to even crack the top 10 in a World Cup race. At the time, Mancuso cited difficulties with dialing in her equipment, troubles that she now says are a thing of the past. She had a breakthrough at the final speed races leading up to Sochi where she produced three top-1o results in a row in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

“I am comfortable now, and it feels great. I mean, it’s kind of crazy to think a month ago I was in a place where I was struggling and things weren’t going well, but just in time I figured things out and I’m really excited and hoping for some great races,” Mancuso noted.

While the U.S. Ski Team women’s speed squad misses having Lindsey Vonn around to bring pace in training, the ladies of the team are all focused on their individual Olympic pursuits, including Mancuso.

“It’s really tough because you’re on top of the hill for yourself, really, and in training it’s always with your teammates,” acknowledged Mancuso. “I definitely miss my teammate. It’s really too bad Lindsey can’t be here, but at the same time it’s still just me in the start gate. We’re glad she’s healthy and on her way to recovery and can’t wait for her to get back.”

Mancuso is hoping to bring her recent positive momentum from the World Cup over to the Olympic races, her first of which is the super combined on Monday. While she didn’t make any flat out predictions for success, her confidence is still evident.

“Tiara with you?” Matt Lauer inquired.

“It sure is,” Mancuso replied.

Lauer continued, “We get to see that, I hope.”

“Oh yeah,” she concluded.