WHISTLER, B.C. - University of Denver sophomore skier Leif Kristian Haugen (Lommendalen, Norway) battled to a 28th place finish in Tuesday's giant slalom at the Vancouver Olympic Games at Whistler Creekside.
Haugen was 32nd after the first run with a time of 1:19.58, which trailed leader Carlo Janka of Switzerland by 2.31 seconds. Haugen improved his standing with his second run, moving up four spots with a total time of 2:41.78 (+3.95).
Janka held on for the gold medal at 2:37.83, followed by two of Haugen's Norwegian teammates, as Kjetil Jansrud (2:38.22) claimed the silver and Aksel Lund Svindal (2:38.44) took the bronze.
Haugen won both slalom races and was second in both giant slalom races in which he competed for the Pioneers this season, qualifying himself for the NCAA Championships. Last year, Haugen led Denver to its 20th national title after finishing second in the GS and third in the slalom at the 2009 NCAA Championships, which earned Haugen All-American First Team honors in both events.
Haugen will be returning to the Pioneers team following the Olympic Games to help Denver defend their NCAA championship in Steamboat Springs, Colo., on March 10-13.
