In recognition of her outstanding performance and versatility, Sammy Smith of the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team has been awarded the US Nordic Olympic Women (US NOW) Gold Rush Award. The Gold Rush Award is an annual award that celebrates exceptional achievements and versatility among cross country athletes and is awarded to a World Cup woman athlete who demonstrates outstanding qualities of grit and grace throughout the year.

The accolade celebrates Smith's exceptional achievements, highlighting her as a standout athlete of the season. Previous winners include Smith's teammates Novie McCabe, Julia Kern, Rosie Brennan and Jessie Diggins, who have demonstrated exemplary performance and dedication to their sport.

"The award is not meant to recognize what happens on the race course directly," said Alison Owen-Bradley, the founder of the Gold Rush award and a pioneer of elite level women's cross country skiing in the U.S. said in an interview with FasterSkier. "Rather, the recipient is selected for the award by exemplifying and showing grit and the grace that it takes to be successful. It's what happened behind the scenes to get the result, not the result itself."

Smith has firmly established herself as a regular contender on the World Cup circuit. Notable accomplishments include securing a silver medal at the World Junior Championships in Planica, Slovenia the 2023-24 season and eight top 30 finishes on the World Cup stage. In Smith's first World Cup sprint, she made it to the heats, a feat rarely achieved by athletes so young on the circuit. From there, her results kept getting better, marking her as one of the team's top sprinters. While Smith gives it her all out on the snow, she is constantly striving to be better and brings those with her in the process. Using her grit to turn her frustration into a learning opportunity is one of Smith's many strengths. 

"She is a teammate we knew we could always count on," said Kern, a past-recipient of the award and a current teammate of Smith. "Her grit, grace and poise inspire us to believe we can chase after multiple dreams and always be present for the team."

Smith's ability to navigate challenges with composure and determination has been commendable. Smith is a once-in-a-generation athlete. Outside of skiing, she is an elite soccer player who will begin her college career this fall at Stanford University. In high school, Smith represented the U.S. at the Under-17 Women's World Cup as a member of the U.S. Soccer Under-17 Women's National Team and then competed with the U20 Women's U.S. National Soccer team. She took home Idaho Soccer Player of the Year in 2022-23, Idaho Girls Cross Country Player of the Year and Idaho Girls Track and Field Player of the Year in 2020-21. Alongside her sisters, she is also a founder of GO BIG Inc., a nonprofit that provides resources and opportunities for underprivileged youth. 

"I’m so grateful to have received the Gold Rush award," said Smith. "It was such a privilege to get to compete on the World Cup circuit this season and to really get to know the other athletes. It truly is the most fun, inspiring and humble group of people I have ever been around, and I hope to have many more seasons competing with them!"

Balancing commitments between skiing, soccer and academic pursuits, she has demonstrated a remarkable capacity for time management and dedication, but beyond her achievements, Smith has proven herself to be a valuable team player, offering support and encouragement to her teammates at every turn. 

"Sammy handled the pressure of racing on the highest cross country ski level, balancing school and soccer, traveling to a new country every week, all while being incredibly thoughtful and a present teammate," said Kern. "She was always the first one to offer help to anyone needing an extra hand, join for a team jog or try out group tactics with teammates during race preparation. On the tough days, Sammy brought her positive energy to lift up the spirits and introduced soccer juggling circles to change up the monotony of life on the road for the team." 

In recognition of Sammy's exemplary performance and dedication to her sport, she is a deserving recipient of the US Nordic Olympic Women Gold Rush Award. Congratulations, Sammy!

The cross country ski season has officially wrapped and the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team is celebrating the most successful season in history. 

Looking back at the first World Cup of the season in Ruka, Finland, Rosie Brennan was on the podium twice, alongside teammate Jessie Diggins. The season was clearly off to a strong start, but if you were to tell the 20+ athletes and coaching staff that they were on the way to their most successful season in history, well, they likely already knew. 

This season, there were no World Championships and Olympics, but there was one race that felt like the two of them combined - the Stifel Loppet Cup in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Head Coach Matt Whitcomb, in an interview with FasterSkier, remarked, "We often talk about athletes peaking for big events, but I'd never considered that our American ski culture could peak for an event." This was the first time in over 23 years that a World Cup cross country event have been held in the United States and was the first time that the U.S. athletes would get the opportunity to race a World Cup on home snow. 

Jumping into the season, with 15 World Cups and over 35 races, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team achieved remarkable success: 22 World Cup podiums, spanning 38 races with six different athletes on the podium, an overall FIS Crystal Globe, a distance Globe, fourth place in the Nations Cup, third place in the U23 Rookie of the Year category, numerous first World Cup starts, and career-best results nearly every race.

Breaking down the numbers:

• 40 American athletes started a World Cup, with six standing on the podium.
• Jessie Diggins secured the FIS Overall Crystal Globe and distance globe for the second time in her career, boasting 12 podiums and six victories in a single season, setting a record for most wins in a single American season.
• Jessie Diggins won the Tour de Ski for the second time in her career. 
• Gus Schumacher achieved the first distance victory by a U.S. male in 43 years, dating back to the Bill Koch era, with his win in the 10k skate in Minneapolis.
• JC Schoonmaker earned his career-first podium in the Östersund World Cup classic sprint, becoming the first U.S. man in seven years to reach the podium.
• Ben Ogden clinched his first podium during the Tour de Ski, securing third place in the Toblach World Cup skate sprint.
• Rosie Brennan secured five individual podiums, including two in one weekend in Ruka, Finland.
• Sophia Laukli claimed her first World Cup win and second podium, dominating the Alpe Cermis hill climb on the final stage of the Tour de Ski.
• Zanden McMullen achieved several career-best races, finishing the season ranked third in the world for men under 23.
• Sammy Smith won a silver medal at the Junior World Championships in Planica, Slovenia, becoming the first American to win a sprint medal at this event.
• John Steel Hagenbuch earned a sprint bronze medal at the U23 World Championships.
• Haley Brewster secured second place in the U23s 20k skate race.

While the points above are highlights, the 2023-24 season was bright beyond podium finishes and top 10 rankings. The Stifel Loppet Cup in Minneapolis showcased the vibrant culture of cross-country skiing in America and offered a glimpse into the future. With approximately 40,000 fans attending the Saturday and Sunday races, the world took notice of the event. Statements like "I couldn't hear myself breathe it was so loud," "This is what all World Cups should look like," and "Magic in Minneapolis" echoed from the world's best athletes as they visited the U.S. for the first World Cup in over 23 years. Then, to have six different athletes on the podium throughout the season, met by the first World Cup starts from several young Americans to career-best results at nearly every race, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team showed that they are the team to beat. 

As the season drew to a close, it became evident that the 23 athletes making up the roster had raised the bar for what is achievable in American skiing and as athletes return to training, the 2024-25 season has already begun, with the door wide open for what can happen next. 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee announced their full support for Dexter Paine in his candidacy for the International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS) Council. 

As a visionary leader with a deep commitment to skiing and snowboarding and its athletes, Paine has been involved in governance at both the national and international levels for decades. He served as a member of the FIS Council Executive Committee from 2014-22 and has acted as an ex-officio honorary member from 2022 to the present. Throughout his time with FIS, Paine focused on transparency, communication and inclusivity, including championing for female representation on the Council, longer terms for athlete representatives and the inclusivity of Paralympic sports. 

Paine currently serves as a member of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Board of Directors (2021-present), is on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation Board (2002-24) and is actively involved in the Salt Lake City 2034 Olympic Winter Games bid. Previously, Paine was Chairman of the Board of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Board of Directors (2006-19) and was on U.S. Biathlon’s Board of Directors (2020-24). He has extensive experience in event delivery as an Executive Committee member of the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Vail/Beaver Creek, Colorado and the 2019 Freestyle, Freeski & Snowboard World Championships in Park City, Utah. 

Paine is the chairman at Paine Schwartz Partners and has more than 25 years of investment experience and 35 years in the private equity industry. In addition to his professional achievements, Paine is widely respected for his integrity, vision and dedication to the sport. His collaborative approach and strategic mindset have positioned him as a trusted leader within the skiing and snowboarding community.

The U.S. Ski & Snowboard Board of Directors firmly believes that Paine’s extensive experience and unwavering passion make him the ideal person to represent the interests of athletes and federations worldwide, unanimously putting forward his candidacy. 

"Dexter Paine's dedication to the advancement of skiing and snowboarding is unparalleled,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President & CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “His leadership has consistently propelled our sports forward, and we know he will bring that same level of commitment and expertise to the FIS Council. We are proud to endorse Dexter and are confident in his ability to advocate effectively for the interests of athletes and federations around the world."

Gene Sykes, Chairman of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, also voiced his support. "As an organization committed to supporting American athletes on the global stage, we recognize the importance of strong leadership within international federations,” said Sykes.
“Dexter’s proven track record of leadership and advocacy aligns perfectly with the values of the Olympic movement. We fully endorse Dexter's candidacy for the FIS Council and believe he will be an outstanding representative for skiing and snowboarding on the international level."

Olympic champion Kikkan Randall, who has served on the IOC Board, USOPC Board and FIS Council, echoed the sentiments: “Dexter has been an incredible leader and advocate for skiing and snowboarding across all levels. He understands the complex needs of all stakeholders and has always championed the athletes' voices in the process. He brings a wealth of experience, tremendous passion and dedication to making sport fair, safe and positioned for growth. Dexter is well respected across the sports universe and has been an excellent collaborator between organizations. I am proud to endorse Dexter’s candidacy.”

The election for the FIS Council takes place at FIS Congress on June 5, 2024. 

Duluth, Minnesota welcomed the top cross country athletes to a five-day, four-race series for the 2023-24 SuperTour finals and U.S. National Championships. Today, March 26th, the athletes skied the season's final race, with a challenging 40k skate, which saw Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete John Steel Hagenbuch take home another National Championship title for the men and Novie McCabe for the women. 

After a season that started nearly six months ago in November of 2023, U.S. athletes traveled around the world, taking part in World Cups, Junior World Championships, U23 World Championships, Youth Olympic Games, National Championships, SuperTours. With a historic season in the World Cup, top results at U23s and Junior World Champs, first-ever medals at Youth Olympic Games, and more, the U.S. cross country ski community put on quite a show. 

For the races in Duluth, the spring series wrapped up with four races, including a 10k classic, classic sprint, team sprint and 40k mass start skate race. The 10k classic was a SuperTour race, with the last three races categorized under the National Championship banner. 

McCabe Wins 10k Classic SuperTour Final, Hagenbuch Second

For the first race of the series, a 10k individual classic race was on the agenda. Duluth's Grand Avenue Nordic Center pulled it off despite warm weather and limited snow. With women racing first, McCabe, who just returned from the World Cup Finals in Falun, Sweden just a day earlier, won the race, with freshly-minted NCAA Champion Sydney Palmer-Leger in second. Erin Bianco of Bridger Ski Foundation was third. 

For the men, Canada's Antoine Cyr took home the victory but it was NCAA Champion and Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Steel Hagenbuch of Dartmouth University who took the first American spot, placing second. Zanden McMullen was ultimately third. 

McCabe, Schoonmaker National Champions in Classic Sprint

On Saturday, March 23, the classic sprint showcased a 1.4k course, wrapping around two technical climbs into a steep descent into the stadium testing even the best skiers with the amount of doublepoling. From qualifiers to heats to finals, McCabe was the ultimate winner, taking home her second victory of the week, now with a sprint title, followed by Bridger Ski Foundation's Bianco in second and Alaska Pacific University's (APU) Renae Anderson in third. 

For the men, JC Schoonmaker, one of the World Cup's best sprinters, was victorious, with teammate and Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete McMullen in second. Cyr of the Canadian National Team was third.

National Champ Team Sprint Debuts in Duluth

A race format not typically seen on the domestic race circuit made a surprise appearance in Duluth, with a team sprint for both men and women. In the men's field, 15 teams of two athletes each took to the start line. On a long-working, technical course, athletes had to come together and compete not individually, but as a team. In the end, U.S. national team athletes Schoonmaker and McMullen teamed up to bring home a victory for APU with the other Alaskan duo, Michael Earnhart and Luke Jager coming across the line just two seconds behind for second place. Thunder Bay's team, including Cyr and Julian Smith, rounded out the podium in third. 

For the women, strategy was key. From the gun, it was all between staying relaxed but attacking the hills and saving enough for the finish. It was a clear contest between APU and Stratton Mountain School (SMS) club teams. The SMS duo of Alayna Sonnesyn and Lauren Jortberg were the ultimate winners, crossing the line ten seconds ahead of Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete and APU athletes McCabe and Anderson in second. Craftbury's ski club with Alex Lawson and Margie Freed were third. 

National Champs Wraps With 40k Skate; Steel-Hagenbuch, McCabe Claim Another National Title 

Conditions were not ideal for the final race of the season. With heavy snow, cold temperatures, strong wind, and 10 laps of a course in front of them, it was anyone's game for the 40k skate mass start. 

Winning by over two minutes McCabe just wrapped up one of her most successful seasons. With top results on the World Cup circuit, including her best result outside of the Tour de Ski with an 11th place in Falun, Sweden just a week ago, the Alaskan racer claimed her fourth National Championship title and second of the week. This is McCabe's third victory and second National Championship title of the week. In the women's field, Palmer-Leger rounded out the Stifel U.S. Ski Team with second place. Mariah Bredal of Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation took the final podium position in third. 

For Steel Hagenbuch, the sentiment is similar. With a season that included five wins, through SuperTours, National Championships, and a marquee win at the 2024 NCAA Championships, the Dartmouth skier is capping off an impressive season, including winning the final race of the season, the 40k skate. Jake Brown of Craftsbury and Ariens Nordic Center was second and Cyr rounded out a successful series in Duluth in third. 

With the culmination of the 40k, the cross country season has officially wrapped and the athletes deserve some well-deserved rest. 

RESULTS
Men's Races

• 10k classic
• Classic sprint 
• Team Sprint
• 40k Skate

Women's Races

• 10k classic
• Classic sprint 
• Team Sprint
• 40k Skate

Scott Patterson, an Alaskan native, of the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team, has officially announced his retirement from World Cup ski racing, following a successful career, including two Winter Olympic Games, three World Championship teams, and 116 World Cup starts.

Patterson grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, and first made the team seven years ago – in 2018 – making his World Cup debut in Nova Mesto, Czech Republic. Patterson does it all – he’s a professional ski racer, professional mechanical engineer, and one of the most dominant distance skiers the Stifel U.S. Ski Team has ever seen.

“Scott has been the linchpin of our American men’s distance team for the last two Olympic cycles,” said Chris Grover, Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team program director. “He’s been the guy we look to in a Championship 30k or 50k, and he has consistently delivered. Scott’s ability to build momentum in fitness and performance through the season and be healthy and ready to deliver results at the big races has always been impressive. Beyond the performances, Scott has been a model of quiet leadership on the team, demonstrating daily his professionalism and determined approach to training, recovery, and balancing athletics with a career. Scott is a great athlete and an incredible human being. Although he will be sorely missed on the World Cup tour, something tells me we’ll still be getting passed by him regularly on the mountain trails and the ski tracks.”

Looking back at Patterson’s career, you’d see 116 World Cup starts, two Winter Olympic Games, two World Championships, two degrees in mechanical engineering and mathematics, and a whole lot of life experience. He’s had 12 SuperTour victories, six U.S. National Championships titles, four top 10s at three different World Championships, 11 top 10s in the World Cup, and was part of the mixed relay team that brought home the first mixed relay victory in history back in 2022. Onto the Winter Olympic Games, where the stage could not be higher, he took home two top 10 results at the Beijing Winter Olympic Games, marking the best U.S. men’s cross-country result in over 50 years. Though Patterson may be quiet and not boast his achievements, his presence on the team over the years and the success and pride he has brought to the Stifel U.S. Ski Team are remarkable.

Outside of the results, Patterson made an impact on this team because of the person he is. Injuries, illness - he always made it to the other side with composure and compassion. He was always the one who knew every single trail the team could run, the ski tracks outside of the venue - you wanted an adventure in a small European town? You’d ask Scott. He found balance in a lifestyle where balance is often difficult to find. 

“Scott is retiring having been one of the best American distance skiers we’ve ever had,” said Kristen Bourne, Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team D team coach. “Not only has he had success at the highest level of the sport, but he’s also been a pivotal role model for the athletes on the team. Scott is one of the most determined and diligent people I’ve ever met. He will be the guy who finishes a 50k race and almost always wishes it were longer. He loves the grind and the hard challenges that come with it. We’re going to miss having Scott on the road, but we know his success outside of skiing has already started and will continue for many years to come.”

Patterson shared his reflections in a Q&A about how he views his career, things he learned and what's next. 

Q: What are you most proud of?

Scott: Some results stand out over my career, but looking back, there are also trends that define my ski career. I’m proud of the resilience that I displayed through several tough years of injury and illness, returning stronger than I was before. I’m proud of my training progressing through the years with continued result improvement and some of the most successful peak performances of any US athlete for the championship events. Through all this, I’m also proud of the balanced lifestyle I maintained, finding success on the World Cup while also developing as an engineer, getting my professional engineering license, and enjoying adventures in Alaska.

Q: What was the biggest thing you learned about yourself after racing at the sport’s highest level?

Scott: Over my career of racing on the World Cup, there has been a lot of time to see what is important to me. It’s also been a lesson in making the most of very different situations. The summer training period and four months on the road in Europe pose very different challenges to minimizing stress or staying engaged. I’ve learned that finding little adventures in daily life, challenging myself in new ways, and having some sort of intellectual stimulation are all very important. I’ve also learned many things that I don’t need and will try to avoid, but those can stay unnamed.

Q: What is one thing that you will miss the most?

Scott: One of the great things that ski racing has provided is a directed purpose towards a singular event. In training, there are clear goals, and races to be focused on, and so much lead up to being at one’s very best at a particular time on a particular day. That doesn’t just apply to me as an athlete, but the whole support team. There are opportunities for this in other aspects of life, but skiing has provided such a clear example that I will miss.

Q: What is one piece of advice that you’d like to leave for your teammates and all athletes coming up the pipeline?

Scott: One of the key things that has defined my career is balancing other activities. Ever since college, I have been working an engineering job. This balance significantly extended the longevity of my ski racing career and made it feel that I was being productive outside of just ski racing. My advice to teammates or all athletes would be to find your own balance. It doesn’t have to be engineering, but having something else in daily life that challenges and stimulates oneself is so important. This makes the days when results are coming or training seems to be going poorly easier to bear. Sport is important, but don’t let sport and success in sport fully define who you are.

Q: What was your favorite activity on the road outside of racing?

Scott: Outside of racing, my favorite activity on the road was finding little ways to fit some adventure into or between training sessions. Many times this would just be slight exploratory runs around a new road or an occasional sledding trip, but the adventure skis stand out. I’d generally try to ski all the Nordic trails in the area or even venture beyond. A memorable adventure ski was in 2021 in Davos while we were preparing for the World Championships. A group of us ran partway up one of the alpine mountains and found an easy run to ski several thousand feet down into a different town where we had a van pickup. The combined absurdity of running.