February 25, 2010 2010 (Whistler, BC) – Bill Demong (29) is the reigning World Champion in

the LH/10km CC competition. His event has still to come, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 25. But at the moment, it is time to look back on the Team Event which gave the USA a silver medal with some golden shine.

Looking back to your race: was it the heavy snowfall which gave Mario Stecher an advantage?
Billy Demong: I really don’t know. I felt I was able to stay in the moment in a conscientious manner and do my best. To finish out the cross-country I knew my best opportunity was on the last hill. I gave it a shot, I felt really good on the hills and Mario [Stecher] was a little bit better on the downhill.

I think my skis, I picked an hour before the race and they had better glide before it started snowing. I gave it my all up the hill against Mario. I knew that would be my best chance to get away. And when we got up I was like, ‘Oh, I hope he isn’t there. Damn, he’s still there.’ And then it was pretty much over. All my energy was spent. I knew I needed to be clear of Mario before that last downhill. Realistically I think I needed to really seal it on the last climb and get a good four or five seconds. But this whole day has been a series of really good performances. We built on each other’s success over time.

Are you happy winning silver?
BD: Very happy! It’s our second medal ever in Nordic Combined for the US. And in the Team event it was that much sweeter because we’ve waited so long for this medal.

How do you think Nordic Combined will develop in the USA following your success?
BD: I hope that the kids look at Nordic sports as something they can do well at, not just to be on the US ski team, but to be Olympic medallists. Sure there are some people south of the snowline who think we shoot and ski or maybe jump in the pool doing flips, but really that’s not so common anymore. The next generation will always try to beat the last.

Can you tell us your thoughts on the upcoming LH/10km CC competition?
BD: I will go for another medal. Having already one in the pocket gives self-confidence. It shall be another great day for the America’s Nordic Combined scene.