Moguls and aerials skiers named to Team USA

Hannah Kearney at the Sochi test World Cup (GEPA/Daniel Goetzhaber)

PARK CITY, Utah – The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association announced the nomination of nine moguls and aerials athletes to the U.S. Olympic Freestyle Ski Team. The team will be led by reigning Olympic champion Hannah Kearney and past Olympians Patrick Deneen, Heather McPhie, Emily Cook and Ashley Caldwell. The athletes were nominated based on results on the International Ski Federation World Cup.

“Our Olympic aerials and moguls athletes represent a mix of veteran champions… blends a mix of veteran champions like Hannah Kearney and Patrick Deneen with younger athletes who are starting to distinguish themselves like Rookie of the Year Mac Bohonnon,” said USSA Freestyle Director Todd Schirman. “Every athlete on this team has shown that they can ski onto the podium against international fields and are well prepared to compete in Sochi.”

Kearney took three World Cup wins this season as well as five podiums. Bradley Wilson, brother of 2010 bronze medalist Bryon, clinched his Olympic spot with two podiums last week including the USANA Freestyle Cup in Lake Placid and will be making his Olympic debut. Caldwell was the youngest Olympian from Team USA in 2010 and made her return from injury with a podium in China last month.

The Team will now head to Steamboat Springs for a final training camp and official sendoff on Saturday, Jan. 25. The U.S. Olympic Committee will formally name the 2014 U.S. Olympic Team on January 27.

Men’s Moguls

Patrick Deneen, Cle Elum, WA (12/25/1987) *

Bradley Wilson, Butte, MT (6/5/1992)

Women’s Moguls

Hannah Kearney, Norwich, VT (2/26/1986) *

Heidi Kloser, Vail, CO (9/18/1992)

Heather McPhie, Bozeman, MT (5/28/1984) *

Eliza Outtrim, Hamden, CT (7/18/1985)

Men’s Aerials

Mac Bohonnon, Madison, CT (3/27/1995)

Women’s Aerials

Ashley Caldwell, Ashburn, VA (9/14/1993) *

Emily Cook, Belmont, MA (7/1/1979) *

* Competed in past Olympics

Release courtesy of USSA