Kikkan Randall entered this week's World Nordic Skiing Championships in Oslo, Norway as the favorite in the women's freestyle sprint race. However, the Alaskan's title dreams took an unfortunate turn when Randall fell during Thursday's quarterfinal heat.
Randall, who came into the World Championships having posted consecutive victories in World Cup Competition, did not advance out of the quarterfinals and ended up 26th overall.
Randall said in a press release from the U.S. Ski Team that she was skiing well and felt good prior to her fall. "I was going for that third position around the corner and I thought I had the advantage, but my skis crossed with Ida's [Ingemarsdotter] and it just whipped me around before I even knew what happened."
Randall went on to say, the chaos of a 1.5 kilometer race can often lead to a lot of bumping on the course. "It's sprint racing. Anything can happen. I'm just really bummed. I definitely had more today. It's just unfortunate to have the day end so early."
Randall's next event at World Championships will be the 10K classic technique race on Monday, although the sprint was her best shot at winning a medal.
Sadie Bjornsen, another skier out of APU, came in 24th today.
