Livran, Freeman take the U16 GS at Beaver Creek

The Marriott Junior Championships rolled on with GS events in Beaver Creek Thursday and Friday. Humble Heidi Livran won the girl’s giant slalom, making it a two-day win for the Vail native. The Ski&Snowboard Club Vail (SSCV) alpine skier has been on fire at this event, and throughout the season, by maintaining her nerves and composure.

“Well, I was pretty nervous for my second run. This is the second time ever for me to go into run number two in first place. The last time this happened I got second place. I was really just trying to concentrate on my breathing going into run number two,” said Livran.

Following Livran in the giant slalom was Clara Hathorne from Winter Park in second, Rachael Desrochers from SSCV in third, Abigail Murer from SSCV in fourth, Megan McGrew from USTA in fifth, Madeleine Dekko from Buck Hill in sixth.

Rachael Desrochers and Abigail Murer continue to perform well in every event of the championships.

“I have been trying to really make the best of every training run presented to me this season,” said Murer. “I think this season I have been taking more risks as far as line choice, which has paid off. Slalom is actually my least favorite event, but I have been doing pretty well in it this season on a personal level. I have been experimenting with my slalom runs quite a bit this season to try and dial in what works and what doesn’t, so I’m excited to see how it goes and have some fun.”

On Friday, it was the boys turn at the Bear Trap GS hill. The second course set of the day was more technical than the first course. Combined with afternoon flat light, and a difficult course, the athletes had to maintain composure and confidence in their line choice during run two. Great times came from those that maintained their aggressive line choices.

Adam Freeman from Winter Park came out as the victor for the men’s GS race. Freeman was the only racer to break the minute barrier during his first run.

On the podium with Freeman was Tristan Lane from Aspen in second and Sky Kelsey in third. Kelsey had the fastest second run time of the day but was a little over a minute shy of the number one spot.

The racers from Colorado were really on top of their game during the GS race and Zack Monsen from Steamboat Springs made up the fourth place spot. Following Monsen was Kyle Negomir from Loveland Ski Club in fifth, River Radamus from the U.S. Team Academy in sixth, Louis Nguyen from Buck Hill in seventh, Colbey Derwin from SSCV in eighth, Logan Martin from SSCV in ninth and Luke Vickerman from SSCV in 10th.

Tomorrow will be another great and final day for the USSA Marriott Junior Championships. Men and women’s slalom will be taking place on Bear Trap next to the Centennial lift at Beaver Creek.

Story courtesy of Michael Suleiman/SSCV
Photos by Jake Vickerman