Purgatory

Written by Garrott on January 19th, 2010

The initial US Olympic Cross Country team was announced this morning.  The final team will be announced, according to USSA, on January 29.  This will be done after the final reallocation of start spots awarded to each nation by FIS.  You can read more about this at fasterskier.com.

I’ve been more concerned about getting myself in top form and making every workout count, than about Olympic selection.  However, given the announcement this morning, I felt it worthwhile to share my thoughts.

First of all, congratulations to Kris, Andy, Torin, James, Kikkan, Liz, Morgan, and especially Caitlin Compton, my Minneapolis teammate!  These guys are awesome and have proven one-hundred percent that they deserve this team selection.

Last spring when I sat down and wrote my goals for the 2010 season, one of my goals was to be the “O.C.” for “obvious choice.”  That means not being on the bubble.  At the time, I was ranked 11th in the country after having fallen back a bit last year.  I refocused on what worked best in my training over the past few years, especially with my coach Bryan Fish and the CXC Team.  Classic skiing was a major priority, given the classic sprint at the Games and I’ve been very happy with my improvement.

So far during the season, I moved myself from 11th up to 5th on the National Ranking List.  In any past Olympic year, this would’ve likely been more than enough to be an OC.  This fall, however, FIS announced a new quota system, which made it more difficult for the US to earn Olympic start spots.

While I still don’t entirely understand the new system; it is what it is.  For now, we’ve got 8 spots for the initial team named today.  There is still a chance that we will earn several more spots over the next two weeks when the final team is named.  Until then, I remain in purgatory.  Right now, I’m heading to the gym for my third workout today in what has been a very productive altitude camp so far in Park City.  Get ‘er done & save the best for last.

 

26 Comments so far ↓

  1. Michael J. Mandli says:

    We have been following you for the past few years and while the final team is still to be named, your chances look very good. You also appear to be right on track with your training and focus. I think more than a few people are going to be surprised when you hit the courses at Callaghan Valley.

    Mike and Jane (Old friends of Bryan Fish)

  2. Tom Pletcher says:

    All of your followers in Hopkins,MN are pulling for you to be on the final team. Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  3. Garrott,

    We are all pulling for you and super proud of your energy, work, and dedication to the sport we love. Your post selection comments are the most positive statements, that support your fellow skiers and does not blame the selection process. After I read your comments, I a not just impressed with your ability and talent, I am also impressed with you as a person. No blame and no feeling sorry for yourself – very positive in your thoughts. I hope to see you make the team on Jan 29th.

    Good luck in all that lies ahead of you – Fellow New Moon friend,

    Mark Howard

  4. Ken Schoville says:

    Garrott, I don’t understand the new system entirely, either, but you’re in a good spot, for many reasons. You sound “on” and training well with the goal firmly in mind. Lakeland follows you closely, wishes you the best, and sends you energy as you prepare.

  5. Christine Young says:

    Garrot, I will be sending positive energy your way!

    Christine

  6. George Brousard says:

    Hey Garrott, keep the faith.
    Remember the old loggers saying:
    Hayward, Hurley or Vancouver!

  7. Dell Todd says:

    Just assume you are going to the Games. This will be a safe assumption, and you’ll be glad your designed your peak, when you get the call.

  8. Kuan says:

    All of district 270 is pulling for you!

  9. Morrey Nellis says:

    Twin Cties skiers are pulling for you…We believe it’s gonna happen . Keep working your plan and you’ll be ready when the administrators come around.

    Best of Luck in Vancouver

  10. George Larson says:

    We all feel for you in Hayward. Keep making us proud and as others have stated “good things come to those that wait”.

    Hang in there.

  11. Chip Gerdin says:

    Keep skiing fast and the rest will take care of itself. We are pulling for you here in Minnesota, Mora, and the Maple Ridge Ski Club.

    Chip

  12. Jesse Rients says:

    Good luck Garrot. Great blog

    Jesse Rients

  13. Dan Poffenberger says:

    As always, Garrott, classy, wise and optimistic. You are a quality person, and a wonderful skier – great character. Let’s hope for good news soon! Have a great set of workouts, I think you will need them! See you soon – all of us in Stillwater are rooting for you!

  14. Matthew T. Pauli says:

    Best wishes and good vibes to snare the “reallocation!” Keep those boards in tune!

  15. Charlie Weber says:

    I think the entire ski community in the Twin Cities is rooting for you. You’re at the top on my list.

  16. Ryan wright says:

    Hey Kuzz, keep your head up. You’ll get it! I’m pulling for ya.

  17. Dan Dalquist says:

    Keep on pushing! Bobbie & I have confidence in your attitude and abilities!
    Best Wishes from Da UP!

  18. Mart Kuzzy says:

    I for sure am ‘pulling’ for ya, bro! Even if it’s in a different way than skiing! I love you.

  19. John Lavelle says:

    I am hoping this works for you, you have done the work and it’s nice to get the pay check. If you need those fast cold skis back let me know, they are faster than ever(rockets).

  20. Jenny J says:

    Thinking of you Garrott and sending you all the best!!!!

  21. Bruce Wain says:

    Garrott,

    You’ve got a great outlook on the situation, and I’m confident you’ll get your well-earned spot on the team. I’m rootin’ for you!!

    Bruce

  22. Rich Spielberg says:

    From all those Penn Cycle/ Nature Valley hammerfest rides all those years ago the foundation was made to take you to the Olympics on the skinnyski’s.
    Shoveling snow with your dad to make the COTTL happen I’d say the passion runs in your family!
    GO GARROTT GO!

  23. Wow!! So great. You have a career as a skier AND a writer! Love you so much, Garrott.

  24. Bob Bergum says:

    Garrott–you certainly have the right attitude–hoping that you can make the team–would love th be cheering you on in the competition.

  25. Dan Poffenberger says:

    Garrott – So Exciting! Purgatory no more. keep yourself healthy and enjoy every moment. It is what all the dreams and hard work led to – shine, man, shine!

  26. The Longs from Peoria says:

    I think your positive attitude paid off in spades. Ski fast!