Although there's a World Cup race in St. Moritz at the time, the lower level Snowbasin event may again attract an international field of racers who might want some practice before the Olympics. But it's unlikely that the atmosphere then will be as relaxed and fun as it was Sunday. The final day of the women's NorAm downhill was definitely dog day at the races. SLOC head Mitt Romey brought his grey Weimareiner, Marley. Alex Shaffer again brought her puppy, Hobe, who has become the unofficial finish- area doggie.
Racers knelt to pet and hug the pup even before taking off their race bibs.
About six dogs cavorted outside the finish area fence, while young members of the Snowbasin race team handed their helmets over the fence to get racer's autographs, volunteers handed out temporary tattoos of various national flags, and spectators brought up chairs to sit basking in the sun while watching the downhill. Athletes went out into the crowd, allowing young racers from the Snowbasin team to examine their downhill skis. It's going to be a fantastic Olympics, and Snowbasin is going to be No. 1 in the country. The crowd cheered when the awards ceremony started near the finish area, and applauded as Street approached the podium. The Olympic medalist is so unused to third place that she automatically started for the other side of the podium, chuckling as she realized her mistake.