Great results on the first day of Nationals racing -- 15km freestyle mass-start for the women, 30km for the men. Things were warm and slushy, so the racing was tough.

For the women, Rebecca Dussault recorded a win in the 15km, with Tami Kochen 12th. More about the race in a first-hand account from Dussault below.

On the men's side, in tough conditions: Nathan Schultz pops a 6th, with Casey Ward 10th, New Mexico coach Frederik Landstedt 12th and junior Glenn Randall 13th. Ivan Babikov won overall for the men.

Full results at: Summit Timing

 From an e-mail from the Dussaults:

"It's a new year and a new beginning --"


It was an amazing day here at Soldier Hollow, Utah.  The first day of the US National Championships got started with a 15k Skate mass start for the women and a 30k for the men.  Warm conditions meant slushy, soft tracks, and grueling efforts from all the racers.  Rebecca came out with her game face on and feeling healthy.  Myself, Tabor and some California friends made our way on course and prepared ourselves for the race to unfold.  With camera in hand and water bottles to feed it was time for the shot of the gun."

Now here is Rebecca for the play by play--"

All of my preparations payed off today as I picked great Salomon skis, got some important rest, ate tasty food, and took all of my medications.  Yes, medications.  I am still taking a couple of things to keep my sinuses in a stable state."

I arrived at the start line unexpectedly wearing bib #1, which was a real confidence booster.  I stood still, silent and serious waiting for the gun to go off.  I offered a prayer that I might have strength and the grace to race my best.  Finally, we were underway and I just sat in the pack.  I moved around for the first 10km of the race in between 1st and 3rd position.  My skis had incredibly great glide so it was a little tricky to stay tucked into position behind other racers.  I would come shooting up alongside them and then have to regain my placement."

The laps got increasingly harder as we took turns cranking up the pace.  Slowly, girls started falling off our lead pack which ultimately was down to three including myself, Morgan Arritola, and my teammate Abby Larson.  It was going to be a fight for the win.  As my faithful last reserve there is always the infamous Hermod's Hill shortly before the finish line.  I had played this race out in my mind and knew I could win it there if not before."

As it happened I skied well on the down hill and my Salomon's got me a slight gap, and rather than letting the other girls bridge it I decided to capitalize on it.  I dug deep and charged up Hermod's Hill.  My husband was at the top and cheered much more excitedly than I've ever heard.  I knew how much this would mean to us.  I kept the pressure up and coasted around the last turn over the bridge. Knowing that I had a nice lead on Morgan, I skied victoriously to the finish line.  I was overwhelmed for sure.  I collapsed and just laid there soaking up the victory giving thanks to God and crying."

I refused an interview at the first because I wanted to greet my family and I was still unable to find words for the experience.  I cried on the phone with my mother on the line.  This win was so precious.  I was finally BACK!"

I am so grateful to the other girls for their hard efforts and brave racing.  We are really bringing up the level of women's skiing one race at a time.  Much thanks also to our wax techs for the 'Salomon
Rockets!'"

Rebecca and the Dussaultskis"

Thanks to Sharbel and Rebecca for their account and the photograph.