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STOCKHOLM (AP) — A skier who got started through the Maine Winter Sports Center in Aroostook County has earned a spot on the U.S. team for the Winter Olympics.

Russell Currier was the top American finisher in three of four qualifying races at the U.S. Biathlon Olympic Trials.

He grew up in Stockholm in northern Maine, and graduated from Caribou High School.

Currier once told The Associated Press that he was happy to get out of school for a couple of hours when Maine Winter Sports Center representatives brought skis for kids to try out.

He’s been competing ever since in biathlon, which combines marksmanship with cross-country skiing. Local resident Suzy Anderson tells WAGM-TV that he’s “our hometown hero.”



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