Mancuso, Peterson nab January USOC honors

Alpine ski racer Julia Mancuso, who strung together a U.S.-record five consecutive World Cup podiums, and Jeret “Speedy” Peterson, who set two aerials records in winning a World Cup contest, have been selected as the U.S. Olympic Committee’s male and female Athlete of the Month for January. Both are two-time Olympians.
ALPINE SKI RACER Julia Mancuso, who strung together a U.S.-record five consecutive World Cup podiums, and Jeret “Speedy” Peterson, who set two aerials records in winning a World Cup contest, have been selected as the U.S. Olympic Committee’s male and female Athlete of the Month for January. Both are two-time Olympians.
    Mancuso, 22 and the reigning Olympic giant slalom gold medalist who is having a breakout season, came up with five podiums in a row, including two World Cup victories. Her podiums streak eclipsed a U.S. record that had stood since 1983.
    Peterson, 25 and the 2005 World Cup aerials champion, won two World Cup aerials events in 24 hours at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah, nailing the toughest jump in his sport, his signature Hurricane, which includes five twists and three flips. In bitter cold on Jan. 11, Peterson not only stuck the landing on his Hurricane but set records for highest one-jump score and highest points in an aerials meet. His second win gave him the World Cup aerials points lead.