By USSA

ASPEN — Olympic champion Julia Mancuso of Squaw Valley broke a seven-year jinx Nov. 26, taking the No. 3 podium spot with two brilliant GS runs at the Nature Valley Aspen Winternational.

Lindsey Vonn of Vail battled back from a tough first run (21st) to finish 12th. It was the first U.S. podium in Aspen since Kristina Koznick was third in slalom in November 2004 and the first U.S. women’s GS podium since Tamara McKinney’s win in 1981.

Defending World Cup GS champ Viktoria Rebensburg of Germany survived a near crash on the first run to comeback for the win. Action continues with slalom Sunday.

“I’ve been wanting to ski really fast in GS and I had a couple of unlucky second runs last year so this is just a great way to start. I know now that with any start position, I can find my way onto the podium,” Mancuso said. “I think every time I’ve raced here I’ve been in the top 10 or have been really close to the top 10. I’ve always loved this hill because it’s always moving, it’s really steep and it’s a lot of fun.”

With Mancuso’s third in Aspen and Vonn’s win in Soelden, the U.S. women have been on both Audi FIS World Cup GS podiums.

Mancuso’s Spyder racing suit for Aspen featured a trail map of her home mountain of Squaw Valley.

“It’s so special to get back on the podium here in Aspen, my family is here, my Squaw Valley Fan Club is here and my Spyder speed suit from today has the Squaw Valley map on it,” Mancuso said. “Plus, my friend Tamara McKinney, who was the last U.S. woman to take a GS podium here was in the crowd. It’s just cool to celebrate with my family and friends.”