FROM: www.skiracing.com/srforums:
by crystalmom

USST Priority for Getting Their Athletes Into Race
02/03/08 at 9:19pm

Can someone explain the ins-and-outs of the USST's priority for getting their team members into races, over non-USST members? Via this "priority", it is my understanding, USSA can and does prevent non-USST US racers from racing (who may have the points to get in a particular race, may have signed up earlier, etc), and takes the slots for their own team members if they want them, in those situations where tthere are more US racers wanting to be in a particular race than the US quota allows. (I think exceptions apply at the WC level which is why Bode can do what he does.) But if someone could explain the rules it would be great.

What this means is the USST athlete gets first crack at the good races, eg races with good points. This automatic priority does not seem fair. The fact that the USST athletes get to go to the best races, defintitely gives them a leg up over the Independent kids, and helps maintain their superiority, and may be as important as the advantages the team athletes have of $, tech support, equipment. From what I have heard, this is a big problem for the racers who are still trying to make it, even though they have not been picked up the the USST,---the US "independents" (not Bode, I mean the ones without the millions he has to do it, and the World Cup spots he has)..

These priority rules may have not made a whole lot of difference in the past, and thus perhaps were not the subject of much scrutiny, as there were not so many racers trying to make it on their own, ie without USST support. However, as the dollars shrink from USSA (see the forum on Athletes Paying Their Own Expenses) for athletes, and athletes have to pay their own/raise $20K to be on the team, more and more talented racers will/are trying to "do it on their own".

Also, former college racers are almost certainly in this "independent" group, should they try to compete at a serious level after college. The "criteria" used by the USST to pick the team favors younger racers (Under 23--C Team criteria applies, which is much less stringent than "B" team criteria, which is applied to 23 and over). This age based criteria penalizes college racers who took the time to get an education, by requiring people of the age of a college graduate (mostly 23 and over) to meet criteria which is almost impossible to meet without being on the USST in the first place. So--if they find a good race, pay their own way there, can they then can get bumped by a USST athlete? Is this how it works? I think so.

This may not have been a big deal when most of the best US racers were on the US Team, but as the group of independent racers grow who are very very good, but are not on the team, these priority rules will I think become more controversial, because they will have a more significant effect on "who gets to play". (I hope this group grows, to keep the sport healthy. )

Great Pic Marcski, look at the arc on the outside ski!!!!

Women Next Stop Sistriere, Italy

Men Garmisch, Germany

FIS WC W. DH Training #1 Start List

The convention, drafted by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, aims to stop the use of banned and illegal performance enhancing substances in Olympic sport by coordinating the efforts of governments. It encourages promotion of anti-toping controls for international competitions.

Davis Cup: Roddick beats Melzer to give defending champion United States 1-0 lead over Austria

over Austria

“This event provides a crucial building block toward our goal of becoming the best ski racing nation in the world. It is only with the contribution of partners like General Motors, who provide the human, technical and financial resources required, that ski races such as the Pontiac GMC Canadian Championships are successful year after year,” said Alpine Canada Alpin Chief Executive Officer Ken Read.

Selfishly, it's been nice over the years to watch an artist approach his canvas with no interest in the outcome, just a fascination for color. And it was fun to watch people try to interpret Miller's incongruous lines and sudden, bold strokes.

So now I'm confused. I like seeing Miller win. But I feel ashamed for enjoying something Miller always used to dismiss or even disdain.

Andy Roddick survives the worst Davis Cup surface he has played on to help give defending champion United States a 2-0 lead over Austria on

This is an interesting quote from Carrie Sheinberg at WCSN.com: (The link to the full article is posted above by MMQB):

"Is Bode still Bode if he's winning on purpose?"


I say yes of course......now he has something to prove by winning.....being on his own. I think he saw it as before he was winning for someone else...or something else. He is still so exciting to watch...even without crashing out of every other slalom race....or blowing a lead after the DH portion of a KB. I'd love to see Bode close out this year and then REPEAT next. That way he can really shove it to phil mahre for all of his support over the years!

During its 100 years, Rossignol has collected a total of 133 Olympic medals, including 62 golden ones.

Happy 100 Rossignol

Defending Davis Cup, US Defeats Austria

VIENNA, Austria

US Defeats Austria

British Olympic team told silence is golden

* Story Highlights
* British Olympic athletes must sign contract not to make political statements
* China's capital Beijing will host the 2008 Olympic Games from August 8-24
* British Olympic Association says any athletes who refuse to sign risk the axe

B.S. Call - LONDON: The British Olympic Association said Monday it has "no intention of gagging" its athletes at the Beijing Games.

Remember the great FIS World Cup reporter Nathaniel Vinton, he is on the scent of Roger Clemens - "Roger Clemens' lawyer receives letter of reprimand from Henry Waxman

BY TERI THOMPSON AND NATHANIEL VINTON"

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Roger Clemens' lawyer receives letter of reprimand from Henry Waxman

BY TERI THOMPSON AND NATHANIEL VINTON

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITERS

Sunday, February 10th 2008, 6:54 PM

Rusty Hardin, the lawyer representing Roger Clemens in the pitcher's red-hot denials of performance-enhancing drug use, said Sunday with dismay in his voice that he has always suspected his client could end up embroiled in a federal prosecution.

He made the comments moments before Henry Waxman, the chairman of the House Committee on Government Oversight and Reform, sent out a blistering letter reprimanding Hardin for making intemperate comments in the media about a federal officer deeply involved in the sprawling BALCO steroids investigation.

"If he ever messes with Roger, Roger will eat his lunch," Hardin said in comments in a Sunday article in the New York Times that predicted Jeff Novitzky, an I.R.S. special agent, would attend Wednesday's hearing on the Mitchell Report that features Clemens and his accuser, former Yankee strength and conditioning coach Brian McNamee. As part of his agreement with federal authorities not to be prosecuted for steroid distribution, McNamee agreed to cooperate with Mitchell's private report on illicit drug use in baseball.

"Under one interpretation it can be seen an attempt to intimidate a federal law enforcement official in the performance of his official duties," Waxman wrote. "I have never met with or spoken to Mr. Novitzky and have no information whether he intends to attend the hearing. As an independent branch of government, our inquiry operates independently of the executive branch. And as a witness in our independent investigation, it is not your client's prerogative to dictate who attends or does not attend the hearing. Given your long service as both a prosecutor and a private attorney, I trust you did not intend your comments to be a signal that there could be adverse repercussions to a federal law enforcement official for attending the hearing or taking other official actions."

Waxman asked Hardin to clarify the comments.

"It's not a very judicious statement," Hardin admitted to the Daily News Sunday night of the comments buried in the Times story. "This is the frustration of what these guys are doing."

Hardin said he believes that his client's feud with former trainer and now accuser Brian McNamee could become a Justice Department perjury investigation, as in the case of Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada.

"We have known always, and particularly after they referred Tejada, that that was a very strong likelihood as a result of anybody testifying differently than the Mitchell report," Hardin said Sunday night.

The Croatian Ski Association has the pleasure of inviting all National Ski Associations
to attend the competitions in Alpine Skiing for ladies and men, Audi FIS World Cup
"Vip Snow Queen Trophy" 2008.
Audi FIS World Cup "Vip Snow Queen Trophy" 2008 competitions will be held
on Sljeme Ski Resort above Zagreb, Croatia, on January 15, 2008 in ladies
night slalom and on February 17, 2008 for the first time in men’s day
slalom. Source: www.fisski.com

Germans to stick with Olympic Charter, no extra restrictions for Beijing Games

FRANKFURT, Germany: German athletes competing at the Beijing Olympics will not be under extra restrictions on expressing their opinions beyond what's already in the Olympic Charter.

"Our athletes are mature citizens who are aware of their responsibilities but who can speak their minds," German Olympic Sports Union spokesman Gerd Graus said Tuesday.

German athletes will be expected to respect the Olympic Charter, he said.

International Olympic Committee rules state "no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues, or other areas."

On Sunday, the British Olympic Association said it would require its athletes to sign a new clause in their contracts barring them from making politically sensitive remarks or gestures during the Olympics.
Today in Sports
Egyptians stay in Africa and win there
Cubs sign Kosuke Fukudome to end 100 years of hurt
Pettitte will not testify but Clemens faces questions

Following an outcry, association spokesman Graham Newsom said Monday there had been "no intention of gagging anyone" but acknowledged that its Team Members' Agreement appeared to go beyond the provisions of the Olympic Charter.

Human rights groups have criticized the British plans.

In January, Belgian athletes were told they would be prohibited from raising human rights or other political issues at Olympic venues. Outside the sports venues and Olympic village, however, they would be free to spe

OVERALL FIS Alpine World Cup RACE Men + Women = REALITY

1 AUT 10081
2 SUI 4758
3 ITA 4734
4 USA 4592

John Rocker claims he flunked a drug test ordered by Major League Baseball in 2000 and that he, Alex Rodriguez and other Texas Rangers were advised by management and union doctors following a spring training lecture on how to effectively use steroids.

"Bud Selig knew in the year 2000 John Rocker was taking the juice," the former pitcher said Monday of the baseball commissioner on Atlanta radio station 680. "Didn't do anything about it."

Clemens' statement to House Committee
Associated Press

Updated: February 13, 2008, 1:03 PM EST

Roger Clemens' prepared opening statement before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government

Chairman Waxman and Members of the Committee:

Thank you for inviting me to be here today. Before I begin, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Representative Tom Lantos. I did not know Congressman Lantos, but I have learned about him in preparation for my appearance before this Committee. I understand that he was a Holocaust survivor and that he lived a life full of courage, conviction and accomplishment. I know that his passing is a heartfelt loss to this Committee and our country.

I appreciate the opportunity to tell this Committee and the public - under oath - what I have been saying all along: I have never used steroids, human growth hormone, or any other type of illegal performance enhancing drugs. I think these types of drugs should play no role in athletics at any level, and I fully support Senator Mitchell's conclusions that steroids have no place in baseball. However, I take great issue with the report's allegation that I used these substances. Let me be clear again: I did not.

I have tried to model my baseball career, and indeed my entire life, on the premise that "your body is your temple." The suggestion that I would use steroids or other illegal drugs is totally incompatible with who I am and what I stand for. I have worked hard to succeed at every level. I have given speeches to young people all over the country about the dangers of taking shortcuts to reach your goals. Steroids are a dangerous shortcut. I have made no secret about my feelings on this subject, and I practice what I preach.

I would like to tell you a little bit about myself. I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth. My stepfather died when I was a young boy. I was raised by a hardworking mother and grandmother who took care of and provided for six children. My mother was a wonderful woman who sacrificed her own needs for the needs of her children. My mother worked several jobs to make sure that I always had new sporting equipment, even though she often went without new clothes. My mother insisted that I attend college, despite that fact that professional baseball teams approached me after high school.

My mother nurtured my interest in sports, including baseball, from a very young age. She taught me through her example that hard work and determination were the only ways to be successful and reach goals. Shortcuts were never an option. It probably comes as no surprise that I firmly believe that much of what I have accomplished would not have been possible without the valuable lessons instilled in me by my mother and grandmother.

I have not gotten to where I am today by accident. My hard work and dedication were instrumental to me achieving many career goals. The awards, accomplishments, and milestones I have achieved during my career have been fully documented by the media and I will not repeat them here. I will say, however, that none of these accomplishments came easily and none of them came in a bottle of steroids or human growth hormone.

I cherish my major league baseball experience, but I have always said that baseball is what I do; it is not who I am. Anyone who has spent time around me knows that my family is and has always been my top priority. My wife, Debbie, and my sons - Koby, Kory, Kacy, and Kody - mean more to me than anything in this world. Having said that, baseball has definitely provided me with significant opportunities off the field.

I have had the privilege and honor to visit our troops in Kuwait, Qatar, and Afghanistan and salute them as our nation's true role models. Through the work of my foundation, I have had many chances to influence special needs youngsters. I have had many chances to influence young athletes who have just begun to experience the value and challenges of working with a team to achieve a common goal. These experiences mean as much to me, if not more, than anything I ever accomplished on the field.

Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to work with many trainers, chiropractors, physical therapists and other professionals to try to educate myself and to use the knowledge they had to keep my body in the best shape it could possibly be. Brian McNamee was one of the many people I met and worked with during my career.

I met McNamee while playing for the Toronto Blue Jays in 1998. I trusted him, put my faith in him, and brought him around my family and my children. I treated him just like I have done others I have met in my life; like family. There were times over the years in which I wondered about what kind of person he was and what he was doing when he was not around me. I questioned McNamee about these things, and at the end of the day, I was willing to take him at his word and give him the benefit of the doubt.

McNamee was good at what he did - helping me exercise, diet, and stay in shape. We shared an interest in grueling, military-style workouts, but I never asked him nor did he ever give me steroids or human growth hormone. I had no idea that this man would exploit the trust I gave him to try to save his own skin by making up lies that have devastated me and my family.

I am a positive person and enjoy doing things for others. I am not just a ballplayer; I am a human being. As I said before, baseball is what I do; it is not who I am. I played the game because of my love and respect for it, and I pride myself as an example for kids, my own as well as others. I have always tried to help anyone who crossed my path who was in need.

But here we are now, with me being accused of using steroids and cheating the game of baseball. If I am guilty of anything, it is of being too trusting of others; wanting to see the best in everyone; and being nice to everyone. If I am considered to be ignorant because of that, then so be it.

I have chosen to live my life with a positive attitude. Yet I am accused of being a criminal and I am not supposed to be angry about that?

If I keep my emotions in check, then I am accused of not caring.

When I kept quiet at the advice of my attorney until he could find out why in the world I was being accused of these things, I was accused of having something to hide, so I am guilty.

When I did speak out, I was accused of protesting too much, so I am guilty.

People who make false accusations should not be allowed to define another person's life. I have freely and without question shared the talents God gave me with children, young and old, and will continue to do so. I have been blessed with a will and heart that carry me on in life. I have had thousands of calls and e-mails from friends, working partners, teammates, fans, and men that have held the highest office in our country telling me to stand strong. These words are very welcomed during some very tough times for my family and me.

Do I think steroids are good for helping someone's performance? No. In fact, I think they are detrimental. Should there be more extensive testing? Yes. I think whatever is necessary for everyone involved to satisfy themselves that it is not going on, should be done.

At the end of the day, I have been accused of doing something that I did not do.

I have been asked to prove that I did not do it. How in the world can I prove a negative?

No matter what we discuss here today, I am never going to have my name restored. I know that a lot of people want me to say that I have taken steroids and be done with it.

But I cannot in good conscience admit to doing something that I did not do; even if it would be easier to do so. That is not the type of person I am. Instead, I will try to set the record straight, and I will do so directly to Congress and under oath. I have been told that by doing this, I am subjecting myself to possible criminal prosecution. I know that some people will still think I am lying no matter what I say or do. And I know that because I've said that I didn't take steroids, it will look like an attack on Senator Mitchell's report. I am not saying Senator Mitchell's report is entirely wrong and I am not trying to convince those who have already made up their minds based only on an allegation.

For those with an open mind, however, I am saying that Brian McNamee's statements about me are wrong. Once again, I never took steroids or human growth hormone.

Read this article at:
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7792916/Clemens'-statement-to-House-Committee click to print this page

NEW: Congressman blasts ex-trainer Brian McNamee for telling "lie after lie after lie"

15:00 Run #1

18:00 Run #2

Men's FIS Nation Cup

AUDI FIS Alpine Ski World Cup

1 AUT AUSTRIA 5124
2 SUI SWITZERLAND 2953
3 ITA ITALY 2669
4 USA USA 2512
5 FRA FRANCE 1860
6 CAN CANADA 1418
7 SWE SWEDEN 1087
8 SLO SLOVENIA 959
9 CRO CROATIA 775
10 FIN FINLAND 436

"Since the spring of 2006, USSA has been hit by a number of experienced management departures. Alan Ashley, long-term athletic vice president, left for a position with the USOC. Andy Walshe, who had been the architect of a very sophisticated sport science department, left USSA in the spring to join Red Bull. Annette Royle, USSA’s veteran event vice president, left the association in October. Tricia Worthington resigned in September to create a new foundation for Park City’s Cumming family, owners of the Powdr Corp, which operates a number of ski areas nationwide."

Austrian biathletes file libel suit after being linked to alleged blood-doping scandal

Christoph Sumann, Daniel Mesotitisch and Ludwig Greller were among 31 biathletes and cyclists, mainly from Austria, Germany and the Netherlands, who were accused of using the services of a blood lab in Vienna which is under investigation by national authorities for helping athletes dope.

On Tuesday, the German ski federation filed libel charges in Munich and Vienna after its athletes were named in the police complaint.

Germany's two-time Olympic champion Uschi Disl, who was on the list, also threatened legal action on Wednesday.

The women's downhill course that will be used at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games received rave reviews as skiers got their first look at the Olympic layout.

6 20 534038 NICKERSON Warner 1981 USA 1:01.40 1:00.74 2:02.14 15.91

3 2 537792 DUKE Hailey 1985 USA 52.84 52.16 1:45.00 13.35

21.02.2008 5950 Whistler, BC CAN Downhill L TRA#3 Cancelled

Alpine Skiing | W.CUP
Whistler, BC | Super G Position Athlete
1 C GRUBER
2 H REICHELT
3 A GORZA

Miller, who won two silver medals at the 2002 Olympics and then famously flopped at the 2006 Torino Olympics, failing to win any medals, broke from the U.S. Ski Team after last season. He trains and races as an independent but still represents the USA in races.

"I'm rooting for him," U.S. Skiing and Snowboard Association CEO Bill Marolt said while watching Thursday?s race from the finish area. "I think he's going to be in it right down to the wire."

"I'm rooting for him,"

Whistler Mtn. - new starting time Ladies DH

Due to the weather forecast the starting time for today's Ladies DH has been changed to 10:15 local time (19:15 CET).