About the Author: Geoff Mintz

Julia Mancuso led the Americans in eighth, while Leanne Smith was only finisher in first eight racers.

Joss Christensen, the fourth and final U.S. representative to qualify for the 2014 Olympic ski slopestyle team, wins gold.

Julia Mancuso is the best American finisher, eighth, in the Olympic downhill.

"We think that 100 percent is all there is. You start giving a 110, 120 percent, there’s a mess to clean up," says Chip White.

Atmosphere in the finish area was celebratory for all as women's freeskiing makes Olympic debut.

Mancuso's Olympic super combined bronze medal will go nicely with her two silvers and one gold.

Hannah Kearney collects her second Olympic medal and Eliza Outtrim finishes fifth, but both aspired to greater results.

Third training run solidifies U.S. Olympic starters in super combined and downhill.

C-Teamer Jackie Wiles cruises to 12th as Cook leads the way for the U.S.

As the only independently funded member of the U.S. Olympic alpine team, Megan McJames prepares for a start in Sochi.

Slalom at Kranjska Gora, Slovenia concludes women's World Cup racing prior to the Olympic Winter Games.

Conditions were simply not favorable for ski racing. There was fog, snow, rain and even a bit of wind.

To wrap up Cortina d'Ampezzo speed week, it was a tight, technical SG set by Mauro Pini, former coach of the Swiss team.

Last year's overall champ, Tina Maze, picks up her first win of the season, as Cook and Mancuso continue hot streaks.

Cook 5th, Mancuso 9th, Wiles 15th, Ross 17th on Olympia delle Tofane as Hoefl-Riesch picks up another win.

Maria Hoefl-Riesch and Nicole Hosp rounded out the podium on the Olympia delle Tofane.

Sochi-bound Chemmy Alcott bounces back from three leg breaks to represent Great Britain at the Olympics.

FIS officials quickly made the decision to reschedule the race for Sunday, opting to go for the downhill in lieu of the previously planned super G.