The U.S. Olympic cross-country team was originally allotted eight roster spots, according to a modified quota system instituted by the International Ski Federation. Three more spots were given by quota re-allocation after other national teams decided not to use their full allotment.
The team submitted the following athletes' names to the USOC for Olympic nomination:
Men
Kris Freeman, Andover, NH, top-30 in the World Cup distance standings
Andy Newell, Shaftsbury, VT, top-30 in the World Cup sprint standings
Torin Koos, Leavenworth, WA, 3rd on USSA National Ranking List
James Southam, Anchorage, AK, 4th on USSA National Ranking List
Garrott Kuzzy, Hayward, WI, 5th on USSA National Ranking List
Simi Hamilton, Aspen, CO, 7th on USSA National Ranking List
Women
Kikkan Randall, Anchorage, AK, top-30 in the World Cup sprint standings
Liz Stephen, East Montpelier, VT, 2nd on USSA National Ranking List
Caitlin Compton, Minneapolis, MN, 3rd on USSA National Ranking List
Morgan Arritola, Ketchum, ID, 4th on USSA National Ranking List
Holly Brooks, Anchorage, AK, 5th on USSA National Ranking List
The U.S. can have up to four skiers in each individual event, and one team in the team sprint and relay events.
The best distance cross-country racer in the U.S., Kris Freeman eyes a medal in his third Olympic appearance.
Few Olympic cross-country skiers can say that they are also freelance journalists like this Washington insider.
"All In Without Hope" is an appropriate mantra to have tattooed on the torso of America's best cross-country sprinter.
Representing the next generation of U.S. women's cross country, Vermont's Liz Stephen makes her Olympic debut in 2010.
The first American female to win a world championships medal, Kikkan Randall sprints for more in 2010.
The soccer fanatic from Idaho hopes she applies the right kick wax in her Olympic debut in 2010.
With several top results at 2010 National Championships, this Minneapolis skier made a successful run to an Olympic berth.
The 31-year-old distance specialist from Alaska straps on the boots for his second Olympic appearance in 2010.
The German-geography double major has found his true calling: double-poling on varying cross-country skiing terrain.
The last selection on the U.S. cross-country skiing team, "Simi" centers all his attention on the ultra-fast sprint events.
"Emerald City" native came on strong in 2009-10 to earn her first Olympic berth in cross-country skiing.
He remembers the feeling. In 2002, Apolo Ohno was racing in front of a home crowd that was in need of a happy ending. His USA uniform is a reminder.
