Rotter shines at international event

Carson City's Corrinne Rotter has shown she's among the best skiers in the world in her age group.

Rotter, who is a freshman at Reno's Sage Ridge School, recorded two top 10 finishes at the 11th annual Sierra Wireless Air Canada Whistler Cup held last weekend in Whistler, British Columbia. Rotter competed in the 13-14-year-old division. She earned a spot to represent the United States Ski Team at the Western Region Junior Olympics held in March at Big Sky, Mont.

Rotter was the top slalom skier coming into the event for the U.S. after receiving gold at the Junior Olympics. She went on to prove herself as the top American after two days of time trials on Whistler Mountain.

The 18 American athletes arrived early in Canada and went right to work to shoot it out for personal race starts. The nine girls representing the U.S. had six practice runs in the slalom and giant slalom. Rotter put her best six runs down the hill and earned the status as the strongest all-around skier representing the United States.

After building her confidence at the time trials, Rotter took a terrible crash in super giant slalom training one day before competition. She ended training early in order to rest her body and mind before competing with the top 13 and 14 year olds from around the world.

"It wasn't particularly good for my confidence," Rotter said. "The next day, I just gave it all I've got."

Rotter made an unbelievable recovery for the next day and finished 10th in the super G. She was behind skiers from Austria, Norway, German, Italy, and two girls from the U.S. The next day Rotter finished first for the United States and placed eighth in the slalom among the field in the international competition.

"I actually really surprised myself," Rotter said. "It was incredible to be the first American down the hill. I had no expectations going into it."

The athletes were awarded for top 10 finishes at the Opening Ceremonies on night one of competition and at a banquet for more than 600 people on night two. The ceremonies brought all 19 nations that were represented together for a parade through the village at Whistler. Rotter held the sign for the U.S. and went on to place 19th, third among Americans, in the giant slalom.

While Rotter was given the honor of carrying the U.S. sign, her ultimate goal is to possibly return to the Vancouver area to compete in the 2010 Olympics. Vancouver has put in a bid for the 2010 Olympics.

The Reno-Tahoe area is also going after the 2014 Olympics and Rotter has also said she would possibly like to compete in those games in her own back yard.

The Whistler Cup is an international ski race for the best 13 and 14 year olds in the world. More than 300 athletes from countries all over compete in this competition each year. This premier event hosts these young athletes who hope to one day be a part of World Cup and Olympic skiing.