Sargent strong in Olympic debut

Ida in qualification in Toblach last weekend. Photo Steve Fuller/Flying Point Road

Last Updated: 11.Feb.2014

Just a little over one week ago, Ida Sargent missed making the rounds in the Toblach World Cup, the last opportunity to practice heats before the big show in Sochi. She ended up 33rd, heartbreakingly close to a quarterfinal berth. That is the nature of World Cup sprinting, that one day everything goes according to plan, and another day leaves you looking for more.  

But Ida must have been saving it up for when it really counted, because she had no trouble qualifying in the freestyle sprint today in Sochi. She was 26th in qualification, one of four Americans to make it to the rounds. Fellow Vermonter Sophie Caldwell was 9th in qualification, Jessie Diggins was 12th, and Kikkan Randall 18th. Ida had a tough quarterfinal heat with eventual silver medalist Ingvild Oestberg. Unfortunately she lost a bit of speed going into the stadium and took fourth in her heat. It wasn’t fast enough for a lucky loser spot, so Ida ended her day with a 19th place overall. However, this is Ida’s first Olympics, and I think all can say that this was a fantastic result for her to begin her Olympic week.

The story of the day may have been Vermont native Sophie Caldwell’s rise to the A final. On a soft, slushy course made difficult by above freezing temperatures, Sophie was able to use smooth technique and brilliant tactics to keep advancing through the rounds. She was second in her quarterfinal, and then made an incredible move in her semifinal to move from fourth into second and easily advance to the A Final. Unfortunately she got tangled up and went down in the A Final, losing a lot of time. She was fourth at the time and well positioned for a medal. She ended up 6th overall, which is still the best ever US Women’s Olympic result.

Congrats to all the Americans who raced with heart and determination today in extremely challenging conditions. The US women will race again in the 10k individual classic on Thursday the 13th, and Ida will get another chance to show her mettle. Stay tuned for updates, and don’t forget to watch the races on NBC!

Results from today here.