One year ago this month (December) Lyndee Janowiak traveled to Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada wondering whether the speed events (downhill and super-g) would be to her liking. After her first downhill in Lake Louise in 2004, Janowiak found herself thinking that downhill is so much fun. Lyndee even felt at that time that a bad downhill run is more of a rush than anything she could do in slalom or giant slalom. That was the beginning of a run of success in the speed events. The next day Janowiak went out and place 16 in the NorAm downhill.

Now in 2005, Janowiak was back where it began for her in the speed events, Lake Louise and the opening speed events on the NorAm circuit for 2005-2006. This time she was comfortable and confident. On day one, with air temperatures at minus 20 degrees fahrenheit and a slick icey track, Janowiak skied to a 16th place finish. That was a result that Janowiak was not happy with.

Day two was much better as Janowiak finished 11 and was the 6th American in the field and the 3rd American junior (born 1986 or later). Janowiak commented, “Today I really proved to myself that I have a good feel for speed. Going fast is not at all an issue for me. I really want to improve my confidence in the air though”.

Janowiak’s comfort with speed is quite evident. Between the training runs and the two races, Janowiak was clocked as the fastest athlete in the speed trap at 123 kilometers/hour on most of the days.

From Lake Louise, Janowiak traveled to Panorama in British Columbia for two NorAm super-g’s. In the first super-g, Janowiak placed 13th overall in this international field and was the 6th American and the 2nd American junior. “I needed a good race today in the super-g. When I figure out just where I want to put my turns on the trail I’ll be faster. I’m please with my performance.”, Lyndee remarked.

Janowiak will now travel to Winter Park, Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Trophy Series. Opening events will be two super-g’s.