STORY BY HEATHER FOSTER

PHOTOS COURTESY of SVSEF

Mia Huey posted fifth-place finishes in slalom and giant slalom at the Whistler Cup held April 10-12.

Savannah Pringle posted 11th in giant slalom as the two Sun Valley Ski education Foundation U14 athletes represented Team USA. And both girls took part in a USA Team relay win.

Mia Huey took a top five finish in slalom.

Organized and hosted by the Whistler Mountain Ski Club, the competition at Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort in British Columbia has become one of the most prominent youth ski races globally since its inception in 1992.

The event welcomed more than 650 U14 and U16 athletes and coaches from more than 20 nations. Athletes qualify to represent Team USA through results at Western Region Championships, where only the top six girls and top six boys advance based on a World Cup points system.

Selection is one of the highest achievements at the U14 level.

Competing against an elite international field, Huey led the way for SVSEF with fifth-place finishes in both the slalom and giant slalom. Pringle finished 11th in giant slalom and gained valuable experience after a strong season leading into the event.

Girls made cultural connections, what with 650 athletes and coaches from around the world.

Beyond the individual results, the U14 Dual Relay team event on April 11 stood out as a unique opportunity connecting athletes across countries and cultures, building friendships that will extend well beyond the race course.

Athletes were randomly selected to international teams, where Huey was part of the winning team in the Dual Relay team event for Team USA1. Team USA1 was coached by SVSEF’s Angie Simari Birkner.

“Whistler Cup was so fun,” said Huey. “I met kids from all over the world and made a bunch of new friends. The coaches were amazing and pushed us while still making it fun.”

Added Pringle: “It was really fun—something I will always remember. The relay race was cool and meeting all the different teams—they were all nice.”

There was a fair amount of flag waving, in addition to ski racing.

Alpine U14 IMD Second Year Head Coach Angie Simari Birkner said she was super happy and proud of Huey and Pringle for qualifying for the Whistler Cup.

“It is the highest they could have achieved at the U14 level,” she said. “They had an outstanding performance. Their season has been amazing, and to top it off with this race was just perfect.”

For complete race results, visit: www.live-timing.com .