The minimum age for a FIS license is 16, at least in North America, and I know athletes from Germany, NZ, Australia, and maybe five other countries who had to wait until they became U18's {U19's now}. Yes, when MS was a "J2" in the USA, before we converted to the U10, U12, U14, U16.......age bands, she had a FIS license at 15, as did every other J2 pushing in that direction. My kids skied in their first NorAms at 15. Not a great confidence builder, BTW. I recall thinking with a bib number 110 plus, "why are we doing this?" This kid is 15, that guy started a WC last week.
So if it's still age 15, a lot of people in the USA need to be "informed." HaHa. {It's 16. Birth year of 2001 for this 2017-2018 season}.
I have not searched to find the exact timing of that change....when it was voted upon, and then implemented. I think it went into effect in the summer of 2012. Almost positive.
Yep. Annemarie M-P was an incredible phenom. Theoni and Stenmark as well. When we think back to those days, and put on our American lenses, it can get very, very confusing as to who is "young" versus "old" these days. Who needs more time and seasoning before we put them on the World Cup. I think it depends entirely on the athlete. We have some "younger" guys, early 20's, who I personally feel should be racing a mix of EC and WC events. But....It's not my call, HaHa.
Nations Cup has always been interesting, in the USA. Particularly now, as our federation has the tag line "Best in the World" and we measure that based on Olympic Medals. Not WC globes, not FIS world medals, Not WC wins or podiums. Not Jr. Worlds podiums. Not the huge U16 events, or Topolino or Whistler Cup. Olympic medals.
That is largely driven by fundraising and corporate sponsorship, and the USOC. In this country, Olympic medals "sell." Probably the case in most countries. Maybe not in so much in Austria!
In my opinion, there is a big place for the sense of team, top to bottom, leadership through athletes in the sport. Not sure where we are. The only part of the USST that looks like a real "team" are the speed ladies, who are pretty strong {in a fairly weak field}. As is noted ^^^^, they are leading the DH standings.
Lots of articles on this team thing this season. My daughter does a lot of work with two nations that are very "big" on this team concept. She is very impressed.
Of course, I am an older guy......may just be missing a lot of details. Would not be the first time, or the last.