Jan 26, 2010

Park City (AFP) - Four world champions and an Olympic medalist were among 18 members of the US Olympic freestyle ski team for the Vancouver Winter Games that were announced Tuesday.

"We have a good mix of experienced veterans and some exciting young skiers making their first Olympic appearance," US freestyle coach Jeff Wintersteen said.

World Cup season champion Hannah Kearney is joined on the US women's moguls squad by 2002 Olympic runner-up Shannon Bahrke and first-time Olympians Heather McPhie and Michelle Roark.

Reigning world champion Patrick Deneen paces a men's moguls lineup that also includes 2005 world champion Nate Roberts, rookie Bryon Wilson and Michael Morse. All are making Olympic debuts.

"We have a great mix of veterans and youth," US moguls coach Scott Rawles said. "It has been a tough road to make it here but I'm really looking forward to Vancouver."

Reigning world champion Ryan St. Onge and two-time Olympian Jeret "Speedy" Peterson head a men's aerials squad that also includes Matt DePeters and Dylan Ferguson.

Newcomer Lacy Schnoor and 2006 Olympians Jana Lindsey and Emily Cook will be joined in women's aerials by 16-year-old Ashley Caldwell, the first product from a program aimed at making aerialists from talented US gymnasts.

"I'm very pleased with this team," US aerials coach Matt Christensen said. "It's a really good feeling when you look at veteran athletes like Ryan, Speedy and Emily who have all won World Cups."

Ski cross will make its Olympic debut in Vancouver with veteran alpine ski racers Daron Rahlves and Casey Puckett competing. It will be the fifth Olympics for Puckett and the fourth for Rahlves, the 2001 super G world champion.

"The audience will be amazed at the athletes' abilities," US ski cross coach Tyler Shepherd said. "I'm confident and excited for Daron and Casey."