Smith takes downhill national title

ASPEN, Colo. (Feb. 27) – Conway, New Hampshire’s Leanne Smith became the 2010 downhill national champion today in Aspen, Colo. The 22-year-old, U.S. B-Team member put down a time of 1:38.25 to best teammate Stacey Cook who finished second, .29 second off the pace.

“The weather was great today. We were all really psyched on how it turned out,” said Smith. “My run was good, I had mistakes here and there, but I’m skiing more consistent.”

Klamath Falls, Oregon’s Laurenne Ross finished third for her second national championships podium.

U.S. C-Team member Alice McKennis of Glenwood Springs, Colo. finished just off the podium in fourth place, her career best result at a U.S. national championships.

The win marks Smith’s first national title. Her highlights this season include a Europa Cup downhill win and top-20 finishes in both the downhill and super G at the Winter Olympic Games.

“Today was a confidence booster,” said Smith. “I’m happy to be National Champion, I have’t done that yet. It’s exciting.”

Cook, the 2008 downhill national champion, collected her eighth nationals podium.

U.S. A-Teamers Lindsey Vonn and Julia Mancuso remain in Vancouver following their medal performances at the 2010 Games.

The men’s national championship downhill will be held this afternoon.

The rest of the U.S. Alpine Championships will be held at Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid, NY at the end of March.