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Sochi, Russia • So Tuesday didn't work out quite as well for the Americans at the Sochi Olympics as they hoped. Record medal haul for a single day?
Mmm, not quite.
But Wednesday is a new day, with new medal possibilities — a couple of them pretty strong.
First up, ski racer Julia Mancuso goes for another medal in the downhill after taking bronze in the super combined. The former Park City resident and graduate of the Winter Sports School has become one of the top choices for the podium after her scorching run on the downhill course in the super combined.
The most-decorated American female Alpine skier at the Olympics was the silver medalist in the event at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics in Canada.
Later, speedskater Shani Davis aims for his third straight Olympic title in the 1,000 meters. Davis, the world-record holder in the event, trains frequently at the Utah Olympic Oval and owns a home in Salt Lake City. He is the odds-on favorite to become the first speedskater to win the same event in three straight Olympics.
Meanwhile, Utah's Preston Griffall takes his shot at the doubles luge course with partner Matt Mortensen — they're not expected to medal, but a top-eight finish would be impressive — while Park City's Bill Demong and Brian and Taylor Fletcher compete in the normal-hill Nordic combined competition.
And snowboarder Torah Bright, the Australian who lives in Salt Lake City, aims to defend her halfpipe title better than Shaun White did, with fellow SLC resident Kaitlyn Farrington also a medal possibility.
- Michael C. Lewis