Sochi Olympics: NorCal Athlete Update

With team USA at nine medals so far in the Sochi Olympics, we though we would give an update of how some of the locals are fairing from Northern California. There have been a couple of medal winners already, but also a few disappointments.

First up is the gold medal winner, and one of only three gold medal winners for the Americans so far, Jamie Anderson. Her sport, the snowboard slopestyle, made it’s debut here in the 214 Sochi Olympics and she rightfully earned the victory after being the favorite. The South Lake Tahoe native’s victory comes just a day after fellow American, Sage Kotsenburg, won in the men’s competition, making it a gold medal sweep for the U.S. in the event.

Another name you may have heard mentioned a few times, Julia Mancuso, is the most decorated female alpine skier in American history and has a chance to further that. The Squaw Valley resident won bronze in the super combined event making that her fourth Olympic medal. The bronze puts her just one medal short of Bode Miller for most for an American skier all-time.

Mancuso also took part in the ladies’ downhill event where she finished an unfortunate eighth and was nowhere hear top form. She will have one more shot take her fifth Olympic medal, however, on Saturday during the super-g event.

Halfpipe snowboarder Hannah Teter of South Lake Tahoe finished just outside the podium in fourth place after a leading the pack of 12 after the first run with a 90.50. That run would be her higher of the two scores and must misses out on the podium by .25 points to fellow American Kelly Clark who took the bronze with a 90.75 in her second run. Tough break for her.

Lastly, the U.S. Men’s Hockey team made it’s debut at 4:30am this morning along with one of the local players Joe Pavelski. They defeated Slovakia in dominating fashion by the score of 7-1. Although Pavelski himself did not get any points, he finished the game with four shots on goal in 13 minutes of ice time. He also made a great defensive play to set up his team’s first goal of the game.

Meanwhile, his San Jose Sharks teammate Antti Niemi did not play in team Finland’s 8-4 victory over Austria. Instead, he was the third goaltender behind both starter Tuuka Rask of Boston and backup Kari Lehtonen of Dallas.

It has been a strong showing so far with plenty of Olympic athletes representing northern California well. With still plenty of medals to be had keep an eye out here for another update!