PYEONGCHANG -- McCall-born cross-country skier Scott Patterson made a strong first impression at the Olympics on Sunday, finishing as the top overall American in the men's 30km skiathlon.
The first-time Olympian finished in 18th place in a field that featured 68 racers. Not only was Patterson the fastest American, but his time of 1:17:27.5 was just 1:07.5 off the gold medal pace established by Simen Hegstad Krueger of Norway.
Patterson, 26, was born in McCall, but he and his family moved to Anchorage, Alaska at an early age. Following four years at the University of Vermont, Patterson returned to Anchorage, where he still lives today.
Patterson's older sister, Caitlin Patterson, is also in PyeongChang. She made her Olympic debut on Saturday. The 28-year-old finished in 34th place in the women's 15km skiathlon.
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