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Women Alpine Skiers: Rising Stars
American Slalom Skier Kristina Koznick finished second Saturday in the World Cup in Slovenia. World Champion Anja Paerson of Sweden took first. Here's look at these Olympic rising stars.
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(Jan. 5, 2002)------ Kristina Koznick was the first to qualify for the U.S. Olympic team when she won the Ski team Gold Cup-- a race she hadn't even planned to run until she heard the prize was 10 thousand dollars.
This multi sport athlete has focused her goals on one thing now.
Kristina Koznick/Alpine Skier: AND NOW THAT SKIING IS ALL I DO, MY DREAMS ARE REALLY CLEAR TO ME AND IT IS TO BE ON TOP OF THE PODIUM, TO BE THE BEST SLALOM SKIER IN THE WORLD. AND WHO KNOWS, MAYBE EVEN A DOWNHILLER OR SOMETHING.
The Koz was just 15 when she made her World Cup debut.
Now at 27 she is a four time U.S. Slalom Champion.
Sarah Schleper was practically born on skis. Her Dad owns a ski shop in Vail, Colorado. By the time she was two she could ski the hill in her backyard.
But it was racing that she liked.
Sarah Schleper/Alpine Skier: I LIKE THE ADRENALINE FOR SURE. THAT'S MY NUMBER ONE FACTOR, THE FEELING OF CARVING TURNS ON THE SNOW. I ALSO LIKE COMPETING AND TRYING TO BE THE BEST IN THE WORLD.
And whether it's skiing on snow,
or training in water, Schleper says she just loves to compete.
Sarah Schleper/Alpine Skier: I GET COMPETITIVE WHEN I'M AROUND ANYBODY.. GIRLS MY AGE, OLDER, YOUNGER, IT'S JUST THE NATURE OF BEING A SKI RACER, I GUESS.
And it's the nature of winner.
Schleper is looking forward to the crowds, the noise, the excitement of the Olympic Games.
Sarah Schleper/Alpine Skier: I THINK THE ENERGY THERE IS GOING TO BE SO INTENSE AND I JUST THINK I'M GOING TO UTILIZE IT TO THE FULLEST POTENTIAL THAT I CAN DO, WHICH WILL BE A GOLD MEDAL.
Caroline Lalive does it all, from downhill to slalom. This racer has it together physically and mentally.
Caroline Lalive/Alpine Skier: EVERY YEAR I LEARN THAT IT'S MORE MENTAL THAN ANYTHING ELSE..AT THIS LEVEL PEOPLE ARE VERY TALENTED, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE WHO IS GOING TO WIN THAT DAY IS WHO BELIEVES THEY ARE GOING TO WIN.
Caroline Lalive/Alpine Skier: I THINK THE MENTAL GAME IS SOMETHING THAT GETS BETTER WITH MORE PRACTICE AND EXPERIENCE AND DEFINITE CONFIDENCE.
Lalive was featured in a commercial for Chevy. This is not her real dad, but the story line about his influence and support, is true. He is Swiss. She learned to ski in Switzerland and plays the accordion.
Now this '98 Olympian who finished 7th in combined says this year will be even better.
Caroline Lalive/Alpine Skier: THE MOMENTUM IS REALLY GOING WITH THE TEAM AND I THINK WE SHOULD ALL CAPITALIZE ON THE STRENGTH OF TEAM IS GAINING IT'S A PERFECT TIME. NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT.
Caroline Lalive is also a speed skier. We'll tell you more about her in a few weeks when we feature alpine Downhill and Super G skiers, like Picabo Street, Kirsten Clark and Jonna Mendez.
