Dylan Autry, Noa Kam-Magruder and Ethan Styvar gracefully approach the finish line during the Snowball Sprints cross-country ski race at the Service High School in Anchorage on a Saturday in December. (Bob Hallinen) This event showcases the incredible skills and determination of these athletes.

Uncover the Secrets of Snowball Sprints in Anchorage

Flagstad's Dual Abilities

Vebjorn Flagstad, a junior from South Anchorage, has long been known for his success in longer distances, both in cross-country running and skiing. However, on Saturday's season-opening Snowball Sprint race at Service High, he revealed a hidden side - that of a secret sprinter. Flagstad, who was last year's Skimeister at the state meet, effortlessly cruised past the competition to claim the 1K sprints convincingly. "I was truly surprised by myself," he admitted. "I don't typically think of myself as a sprinter, but now I realize I can be. Luck seemed to be on my side in the qualifier and heats as I didn't have to expend too much energy." After a somewhat disappointing cross-country running season in the fall, he was thrilled to be back on the snowy trails. His offseason training, which included a lot of weightlifting, has prepared him well for an exciting season ahead.

Flagstad's journey showcases the versatility of athletes and how they can excel in different disciplines. It also highlights the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving success.

His story serves as an inspiration to other athletes who may have hidden talents waiting to be discovered.

The Race Dynamics

The day began with 2.8K prelims featuring interval starts. From there, the race progressed to heats, with winners and top times advancing to the finals. As Flagstad described, "It was quite warm today, and once the heats started, it became a fast-paced affair. You had to be on your toes the whole time. I didn't do much skiing during the preliminaries; I was mainly just jogging. The qualifier was a bit longer than usual, which warmed me up nicely and got my body ready to perform."

The race dynamics added an extra layer of excitement as athletes had to navigate through different stages and compete against each other at various levels.

It was a test of both speed and endurance, making it a truly challenging event for all participants.

Girls' Race Highlights

The winner of the girls' race, West's Olivia Soderstrom, is also the defending state Skimeister. A junior, she expressed her delight despite some late-week rain in Anchorage. "The trails were in excellent condition and incredibly fast. It was a lot of fun racing," she said. In the short track race, passing was a challenge, making it crucial to secure a good position early on. "You had to get out of the start quickly as the track got narrow, and you could easily get boxed out. But I was able to make a late pass and secure the win," she added. Soderstrom, who earned her state Skimeister title with the Service High team last year, has a special place in her heart for the Snowball Sprint. "I just love how short and flat it is. You can give it your all without getting tired," she explained.

Olivia Soderstrom's performance demonstrates the skill and determination required to succeed in cross-country skiing, especially in shorter races.

Her success also highlights the importance of adapting to different race conditions and making the most of every opportunity.

Finalists and the Crowd

Flagstad was joined in the finals by Dimond's Moa Kam-Magruder and four Service skiers - Jack Leveque, Oskar Flora, Elias Watson and Logan Cuddy. The girls' finalists included West teammates Piper Sears and Zoe Rodgers, along with South's Alise Elliott, Chugiak's Olivia Ronzio Pic and Service's Haley Finch. The crowd was filled with excitement as these talented athletes battled it out on the snowy slopes. Emiko Wilson cheered on Service High cross-country skier Heidi Schumacher, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.

The presence of the crowd added to the excitement and motivation for the athletes, creating a memorable experience for all.

It showed the passion and support for cross-country skiing in Anchorage.