U.S. Alpine team bickers after giant slalom run

[El Supremo]

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - The strained relationship between Lindsey Vonn and teammate Julia Mancuso became more so on Wednesday after the first giant slalom run.

According to 9NEWS' partners at The Denver Post, Mancuso has been expressing resentment for the pre-Olympic publicity showered on Vonn. Complaining about the "popularity contest," Mancuso reiterated her feelings Sunday in an interview with Sports Illustrated.

"Our team is struggling, as a group," Mancuso told SI's Tim Layden. "People are having a hard time reaching their potential because it's such a struggle for attention. You come to meetings after races, and it's like it's a bad day if Lindsey didn't do well."

The Post reports, Vonn conceded she has been hurt by the things Mancuso has been saying.

"I try to support Julia as much as I support all the other teammates," Vonn said. "I've been racing with Julia since I was a little kid. Yes, we're competitors, but I always support her. It definitely has hurt me that she has said some negative things about me. All I can do is continue to support her, like I always have, and hope she reciprocates that."

Vonn's husband, Thomas, said his wife was "upset" about Mancuso's comments but remains "a fan" of her rival from California.

"She's always cheered for Julia and been happy for her when she's done well," Thomas Vonn said. "She's kind of wondering where it's coming from. People react differently when they get into the spotlight."

John Meyer's story in The Denver Post reveals more of the details of what happened in Wednesday's race. If you want to know what happened, click here to read the story.

http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=133389&catid=188

Did Mancuso whack Vonn's leg? Sounds like she might now.

[Condem]

1. This comes out now?

What do they have left? The slalom? Gawd, ladies. Shut up and ski.

[MaineDem]

3. The second run of the GS has been postponed to tomorrow

Vonn's out of that and Mancusso had a poor first run after she had to stop her first attempt following Vonn's wipe out.

I don't think there's much ego in these elite racers. :sarcasm:

[DoBotherMe]

2. WHY? WHY?

I think Julie's been representing great, and Lindsey too. Where's Jacobellis? Dana ; )

[joeybee12]

4. Probably blowing this out of proportion because it's women...

...that said, it does appear as if lindsey is being the b**hier one, backhandedly slamming Julie while appearing to praise her.

[LisaM]

5. It's not a sport I generally follow, but I sure haven't been impressed with Vonn

first she pulls her "will I, won't I" diva move, then she stops to put on eyeshadow after winning a medal.

[MaineDem]

6. Maybe she has a L'Oreal sponsorship?

Just kidding but, seriously, she has been playing the diva. And she blew it today.

She is a good competitor, though.