Palmer woman headed to Paralympics

PALMER — Grace Miller will head to PyeongChang South Korea in March to compete against the world's best Paralympians and try to earn a medal in international competition. Miller got the news on Feb. 1 that after competing in a the World Cup in Canmore, Alberta, she had been selected to represent the United States at the Paralympics.

"I couldn't really believe it at all," said Miller after finishing a race with Alaska Nordic Racing on Saturday. Miller plans to change the way she trains. In addition to her practices with the Palmer High School XC skiing team and her club team, ANR, she plans to change her workouts by allowing more rest prior to the event. This is called 'peaking' and can help endurance athletes to reach their best times on the biggest stage.

Miller was pleasantly surprised to be selected to Team USA. While taking courses at Alaska Middle College and working, Miller trains to be among the top Paralympic Nordic skiers in the world. Miller was born without her left forearm. Miller met most of her teammates at the World Cup in December, and is focused on putting forth her best effort, even if that doesn't mean a medal.

"I'm hoping in four years in Beijing. I'm hoping to be a contender for a medal," said Miller.

Miller had never left the country before her first event at the World Cup in Canada. When she leaves the country this time, she'll be doing so as a member of Team USA.