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Samantha Hayes Reporting Top ranked cross-country skiers from around the United States are competing this week in Soldier Hollow. It's their last chance to quality for the 2006 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Italy.
It is five days of grueling competition for more than 400 athletes, and the stakes are high, this is for the Olympics. Among the skiers is Carl Swenson, a Park City local with 11 U.S. titles.
Carl Swenson, Two-Time Olympian: “This is similar to trails and altitude we'll see in Italy at the Olympics.”
Wendy Wagner grew up in Park City and raced in the 2002 Olympics.
Wendy Wagner: “When I go to Torino I'm going to go and race. I felt like when I was in Salt Lake I was more of a participant, but in Torino I'm going and I'm going to race. "
Former University of Utah skier Zach Simons hopes to qualify in the Freestyle Sprint.
Zach Simons: “This is my home town, my home course, so I'm pretty excited.”
Andrew Johnson has lived and trained in the Park City area for the last six years. He captured the first men's U.S. title Tuesday, on his 28th birthday.
Andrew Johnson, 2002 Olympian: “It's fun and a nice carry-over from when the Olympics were in our backyard. We've had friends and family all over the place. It's a good feeling and a good place to be.”
This competition is the last piece of the puzzle to determine which athletes will go to Torino. Sixteen athletes will be named later this month. Kris Freeman is coming in with the best cross country results in two decades. He has overcome painful leg surgery and manages diabetes.
Kris Freeman: “I'm able to do everything they do, I just have to test my blood sugar and take insulin injections every day; other than that I live a totally normal life."
Skiers are also competing for a spot on the U.S. Paralympic team.
Monica Bascio, Won Sit-Ski Women's 5K: “This is a big deal for me, certainly for my family. It means so much to me.”
The competition continues through next Tuesday. The U.S Cross Country team will be announced Saturday, January 17th.
