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St. Olaf sophomore skiing to success again at U.S. Paralympics

By Amy Gage
February 12, 2003

Kelly Underkofler
Underkofler
As a first-year student at St. Olaf last year, Kelly Underkofler, a Nordic skier from St. Paul, Minn., turned in a respectable performance at the 2002 Paralympics competition in Salt Lake City, Utah. This year, the college sophomore who excelled in badminton, track, cross country and soccer during high school -- and who was born with a shortened left forearm and no left hand -- is back in competition. Underkofler captured fourth place in the 5-kilometer ski race during the 2003 Paralympics in Baiersbronn, Germany, and fifth place in the middle-distance or 10-kilometer race. Earlier this season, Underkofler won three bronze medals in the World Cup in France, competing for the first time in the Biathalon. She also took home three gold medals from the U.S. National Championship in Rumford, Maine, in January for her performance in the 15k classic, 5K freestyle and 5k classic races. For more information on this year's Paralympics, see http://www.usskiteam.com/PublishingFolder/1308.htm.

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.