The Diamond Peak Ski Team was thrilled to learn that three of its athletes qualified to compete in the J3 Junior Olympics in Big Sky, Mont., from March 16-18.

These outstanding athletes include Annika Hansen, 13, Amanda Pretti, 13, and Lauren Keller, 14. Erica Kennedy and Connor Novak have qualified as alternates.

and#8220;This is a major achievement for these young racers, and I am so proud of them and our whole J3 team,and#8221; said Diamond Peak coach Eric Garayoa. and#8220;They have worked very hard.and#8221;

The super giant slalom race held at Mammoth Mountain from Feb. 24-26 was the third and#8220;qualifierand#8221; for the Junior Olympics. The super G, as it is called, is a speed event in which panel gates are placed even farther apart than a giant slalom. Slalom races, meanwhile, are considered technical events.

In order to qualify, athletes must compete and demonstrate top-level proficiency during three days of racing in each of the three disciplines of racing and#8212; the slalom, GS and super giant slalom.

The Diamond Peak athletes' times and placings for the super G at Mammoth are highlighted in the breakout box, while complete results for all three Wild West J3 Qualifiers may be found at http://www.fwskiing.us/Competition/Results/J3.htm.