| 22 November 2010
A few observations and musings regarding DFP insole service for the US Ski Team this past summer at Mount Hood and this November at Vail, Colorado: as DFP is nearing it's second decade of being the leading insole supplier to the USST, I'd like to thank and wish well the DFP athletes who have recently moved on past their competitive careers with the team. Scott Macartney, Bryon Friedman, Jake Zamansky, Dane Spencer, Keely Kelleher - you all have been great to work with. Thanks for your support and the ultimate validation of DFP insoles - using them!
Mount Hood this past summer was what it usually is, too little time and too many athletes. Luckily for me, both men's and women's development teams come back every year so, I'm bound to get to everyone at some point. Seth Macadam, the head women's D team coach brought the girls by this summer for insoles and a quick alignment "snapshot". Devin Delaney and Rose Caston are among the women in that group using DFP insoles. A big congratulations to DFP athlete Laurenne Ross for a great season last year and making it to full time on the World Cup!
The men.... with the retirements above it is always reassuring to see the torch passing to the young guns.
Most notably, Will Brandenburg and Tommy Ford are lighting it up at the highest level using DFP insoles. I was able to get a few of the newly named athletes to test DFP this past November in Vail including Andrew Phillips and Jared Goldberg. Also, finally found the time to get Travis Ganong set up as well. I haven't had the chance yet to check back with them and see how things are going, but will pass along the update soon. Then you have the DFP "veterans": Marco Sullivan, who has been on DFP since 2001, was still using the insoles I made for him in 2005 (They do last!). I've known Marco since he was 14 when I was trying to get him to switch off Salomon to Rossi. Well, he's now on Rossi/Lange this year and I'm expecting we'll see a great season from him. Steven Nyman, who has several WC podiums and a win on DFP, is still dealing with some back issues that I hope he can sort out. It would be nice to see him return to the level he is capable of. Believe in Steven!
Last in this cast of characters are the coaches and techs. The athletes prove that DFP insoles perform. Coaches and technicians prove they're comfortable by standing on them for hours everyday . Coaches Sashsa Rearick, Chris Brigham, Mick Branch and technicians Matt Schiller, Leo Mussi, "Roy" Coombs, and Pepi Culver are all on DFP. Worth mentioning is that I made two pair of insoles for Bode's and Ted's boot tech that he is digging. His name is Michael (my apologies for not remembering how to spell his last name). As an ex-Austrian team athlete, he knows a few things about how boot set-ups should work.
Which brings us nicely to the conclusion. DFP insoles are consistently proving that they are the choice of skiers on the very highest level, where as Daron Rahlves (another DFP athlete) puts it, "hundies matter". Time and time again, from speed to tech for both the men's and women's teams, the blend of support and the ability for the foot to still articulate make DFP work! The false stereotypical perception of ski racers wanting their feet "locked-in solid" is just that, false. From Bode to Tommy Ford, I hear and see how important it is for these athletes to be able to balance through subtle foot movement.
The everyday skier can expect the same from DFP insoles: proven comfort and unrivaled performance.
Have a great season, ski fast, and stay healthy everyone!
