Winter Park, CO – Olympic gold medalist Julia Mancuso powered through exaustingly soft snow as temperatures soared into the 60s on Saturday at the Nature Valley U.S. Alpine Championships to take giant slalom gold and up her own national title record to 15.

Nineteen-year-old Norwegian Kristine Gjelsten Haugen was second ahead of 17-year-old Mikaela Shiffrin, of Eagle-Vail, Colo., who won the women’s slalom earlier in the week. Anna Marno, of Steamboat Springs, Colo., was third among juniors to conclude women’s Championships racing in Winter Park. World Cup overall champion Lindsey Vonn started the first run, but made an early exit after getting late into a hairpin turn.

“I’ve got 10 years of experience on these girls [Haugen and Shiffrin], so it’s kind of scary that they’re giving me a run for my money,” said Mancuso. “These girls are skiing fast and it’s a highlight for young racers to ski well here and if I can help them get highlights it’s even better for me.”

It was Mancuso’s fourth straight giant slalom title and sixth of her career. She also has four super G titles, four combined titles and one downhill title.

“First run was really good conditions, for the second run it is so warm here it was tough, but nothing too bad,” added Mancuso. “I really have fun skiing in the spring and I like these conditions so I never feel unsafe or that I am risking anything by being out here, it’s more that if I stay home I’m risking missing out on all the fun.”

“It’s been great, I never thought I could be top three here so I am really happy,” said Haugen. “This is one of my best results actually, maybe fourth at junior worlds was one of my best before this but I think it’s right up there. Being on the podium with great skiers like Julia [Mancuso] and Mikaela [Shiffrin] is pretty special.”

“I have worked a lot on my GS this year so this is a really great way to end the season,” added Shiffrin. “Kristine Haugen got second place today and she is just making some awesome turns and I always love skiing with her and watching her. I’m sure she is going to be coming up the ranks with me for the rest of our careers. I’m very excited to be on the podium with those two.”

OFFICIAL RESULTS
Nature Valley U.S. Alpine Championships
Winter Park, CO – Mar. 31, 2012
Women’s Giant Slalom