Simeon Hamilton and Erik Bjornsen broke into the finals after an impressive qualifying classic team sprint race today (Feb 19) at the Sochi Olympics. Team USA went on to take 6th place in the finals. Finland, Russia and Sweden went on to take home hardware.

Bjornsen was not originally scheduled to compete in the team sprint. Bjornsen replaced fellow teammate Andy Newell in the lineup after Newell became ill, fasterskier.com reported Wednesday (Feb. 19).

Team USA took 5th in their earlier heat which was enough to qualify for the finals. Erik’s sister and Olympic teammate Sadie Bjornsen tweeted her

support after the qualifying rounds.

Team Gregg member Tara Gregg says that Sadie’s next race is the ladies' 30 km mass start free on Feb. 22. Brian Gregg's next race, the mens' 50 km mass start free, is on Feb. 23. This is Brian's focus event, says Tara. Potentially, Erik Bjornsen will be racing in the 50 km mass start as well.

Rose Weagant
2/19/2014