Friday, November 30, 2001
Fast track
High-flying Street gains speed as Salt Lake Games approach
By ERIC FRANCIS -- Calgary Sun
LAKE LOUISE -- As loud and speedy as she's been throughout her career, Picabo Street had yet to find a way to break the sound barrier.
Until this summer.
As payback for a military video she appeared in concerning arthroscopic surgery rehab -- a topic she's an expert on -- ski racing's most colourful character was taken on an F-16 fighter where she pulled over 9 G's and travelled 700 m.p.h.
More importantly, the 30-year-old speed freak was given a bird's eye view of the Olympic downhill course at Utah's Snowbasin where she'll end her career in February. And it's there where one of America's greatest skiers will reflect on her 18,000-ft. joyride to help ease the pressure of a race she's thought about for three years.
"I'm definitely going to think back on that -- it'll be a nice place to escape to," said Street, who began her final season yesterday with an encouraging sixth-place finish at Lake Louise's Winterstart World Cup downhill.
"That was one of the blessings in disguise from my injury."
Out of racing for two years after shattering her left femur and tearing ligaments in her right knee just one month after winning gold at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, Street is on yet another mission to prove she can return to old form. Insisting the time off gave her increased motivation and narrowed her focus, the nine-time winner of the World Cup circuit patiently fought through a difficult return last year. Managing a season-best seventh last year, it was a late-season Nor-Am win at Snowbasin that gave her huge confidence heading into yesterday's race.
"I'm coming back from some big injuries and there were times in my comeback I wasn't sure I would get to the place I'm at right now. I'm really thankful to be here," said Street, who won her first World Cup race at Lake Louise six years ago.
"I remember how uncomfortable I was last year at this time and to not be there, I'm moving forward and that's what life is all about. It's feeling more and more like old times."
Twice a World Cup downhill champion, the free-spirited native of Park City, Utah, first rose to prominence at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics where she won silver. And with the upcoming Olympic Games being staged in her own backyard, it only stands to reason she's channeling all her energy on going out with a bang.
"Every day is a process for me," said Street, who recently released her autobiography.
"I'm skiing way better than I was in November and if I keep progressing like this, I'm going to be in good shape by the time my career ends. America needs great things to smile about -- the world needs that too. That's what's so positive about the Olympics this time around -- the world is looking for positive things."
Having battled jealous American teammates for years, Street now finds herself getting along with, and counting heavily on, her tight-knit peers. Yet, that doesn't mean changing one bit from being the outspoken personality that helped make her a household name, not to mention plenty wealthy.
Attracting attention with everything she does, Street's racing helmet features several snakes.
"Snakes are a sign of power and I need all the assistance I can get in that category right now," smiled Street.
The helmet also features dedications to the victims of 9-11, along with ski racer Regine Cavagnoud and race car driver Dale Earnhardt Sr.
"I'm trying to represent and bring them all for the ride.
"I know I don't go 120 miles an hour but I think Dale would like my ride anyway."
2002 Games Alpine Skiing Coverage
