BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Olympic glory came to our region on this day in 1972.
Barbara Ann Cochran conquered the tricky slalom course in Sapporo, Japan, to win the gold medal.
The 18-year-old’s victory came by the smallest margin in history and also ended a 20-year medal drought for Americans in the event.
Another Vermonter captured gold 30 years later at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Ross Powers of Londonderry led a U.S. sweep of the medals in the men’s half pipe just one day after his 23rd birthday.
It was Powers’ second Olympic medal; he also won the bronze at the 1998 games.
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