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Aspen's Simi Hamilton Claims Victory in World Cup Stage Race

U.S. Ski Team

Aspen’s Simi Hamilton made history Tuesday in the Nordic skiing world. The 26-year-old ski racer won a race in Switzerland that all but secures a spot on the US Olympic team.

He took first in the 1.5 kilometer freestyle sprint in a Tour de Skirace, which is a World Cup “stage” race. Hamilton’s the first American to win a World Cup stage, after Kikkan Randall who races on the women’s team. He said his victory is still sinking in.

"It’s hard to put into words. I think you immediately have an appreciation for all the skiers you’re skiing against and you start to think on everything you’ve done to get you where you are. And, everything your parents, coaches, teammates and schoolmates have done. You start to think about that."

The Olympic team will be named in late January. The 2014 Games start in Sochi, Russia on February 7th.

Listen below to the full interview with Simi Hamilton after his win on Tuesday, December 31st.

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