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Samantha Hayes ReportingOne of the stars of the U.S. Ski team was born and raised right here in Utah. Steve Nyman will turn 24 years old the day he races for the first time in the Olympics.
And that's coming up quickly. This Sunday, he races in the Men's Downhill. And that is the focus right now. But Nyman says he has enjoyed walking around the village in Sestriere and meeting people from other countries. He's also getting a lot of national attention. He was interviewed for a segment on the Weekend Today show.
Nyman grew up in Sundance and was on skis when he was two years old. Now is he one of the tallest athletes on the U.S. team, at six foot four.
Steven Nyman/Downhill Skier: "Skiing has moved to taller. Well, I shouldn't say we have an advantage. Each person has their advantages and disadvantages. I think I'm the tallest guy out here."
"Is there anything you want to say to the folks back home?"
Nyman: "Just believe in Steven."
Sounds like a good motto.
Meantime, the International Ski Federation suspended eight cross country skiers for five days after they were found to have excessive hemoglobin levels. Two of them are Americans--Kikkan Randall from Anchorage, and Leif Zimmerman from Bozeman.
It's not clear whether they will be kept from competing.
