Home-grown athletes and Beehive State transplants set for Games to begin

VANCOUVER — For alpine skier Ted Ligety and speed skater Tucker Fredericks, the road has been relatively smooth. For aerialist Lacy Schnoor and mogul skier Heather McPhie, it's been almost charmed.

But for many others, like mogul skier Nate Roberts, aerialist Emily Cook or skeleton's Zach Lund, their journeys to the 2010 Olympic Games have been laden with injuries, disappointment and frustration.

"It's been a crazy, emotional roller coaster," said Roberts, who grew up in Park City. "It's definitely different than four years ago when I was fourth in the world and second in the U.S. and I didn't make the Olympic team. This year, I'm 17th or 20th in the world, one podium, and I got a trip to Vancouver."

Then he smiles.

"That's all in the past," he said. "I'm thankful to have the opportunity. I can't wait to give it my all."

Roberts is one of about 15 athletes who either grew up in Utah or make their homes here year-round. There are about 45 other athletes who live in Utah to take advantage of training opportunities, which include Olympic facilities and scholarship opportunities through Westminster College.

Regardless of which city they call home, they all represent not only the U.S. at the 2010 Winter Olympics, but also the residents of the Beehive State. Not only will family and friends be cheering them on, but so will all of those who, in many ways, contributed to their success by supporting the programs, facilities and universities that helped them achieve their Olympic dream.

"To finally make it here is just incredible," said Orem native and UVU graduate Noelle Pikus-Pace, who will compete in skeleton. "To be officially named to the team really meant a lot to me. This doesn't just belong to me. A lot of people have contributed to me being here."

It was a horrific injury that kept Pikus-Pace from realizing her Olympic dream in 2006. For Zach Lund, it was a failed drug test, for a substance contained in hair-replacement products. The substance is no longer on the banned list, but that came too late to help Lund get to the 2006 Games.

"I am pretty excited," Lund said after being named to the team. "I've tried to stay positive and learn from all the mistakes I've made. ... I love the Whistler track. I did very well in the early season training there."

Most of the athletes have nurtured their Olympic dreams most of their lives. Even if it is their first trip to the Games, they understand it isn't just another competition.