UTAH’S WOMEN’S SKI TEAM SHINES AT DENVER INVITATIONAL
Frisco, Colorado – Sofia Pedersen snagged a bronze medal at the recent Denver Invitational, showcasing her talent in the 7.5K freestyle race. The Utah women’s team excelled overall, with all five athletes securing top-eight finishes.
Witta Walcher came in sixth, while Ally Wheeler took eighth. Despite being short on numbers, their strong performance drew praise. Max Kluck also competed in the men’s event, finishing 11th with a time of 19:25.4.
“It was a wonderful effort by our women today,” said Fredrik Landstedt, director of skiing. “I’m proud of how they handled the altitude and the challenges of back-to-back races.”
In team standings, Utah claimed third place with 499.5 points. Colorado led the pack with 714 points, while Denver followed with 638 points.
Pedersen’s bronze marks her third podium finish this season, extending her top-five streak to six races since starting her collegiate career. Walcher matched her best time this season, and Wheeler achieved her fourth top-10 finish in just six races.
Next week, the Utes are gearing up for more challenges at the Colorado Invitational in Steamboat Springs, featuring a 20K freestyle mass start and a 7.5K classic race.
Alpine racing will resume on February 22 at the Spencer F. Eccles Olympic Mountain Center, continuing the Utes’ competitive season.
Recent Trends in Nordic Skiing
Interestingly, Nordic skiing has gained popularity, with recent statistics showing a nearly 15% increase in participation over the last five years in the U.S. Experts attribute this rise to enhanced visibility through social media and better access to training facilities.
As fans and athletes alike engage with the sport, platforms like Instagram and Twitter have become vital in sharing training tips, race highlights, and athlete stories, creating a vibrant community around Nordic skiing.
For more updates on the Utah Ski Team and to follow their journey, check out their social channels.
