[Sportsandrec] Fw: USABA Athlete, Rachel Scdoris, Completes the "Toughest Race on Earth"

[Christella Garcia]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: United States Association of Blind Athletes 
To: Christella Garcia 
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 1:02 PM
Subject: USABA Athlete, Rachel Scdoris, Completes the "Toughest Race on Earth"



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2009
Contact: Amanda Fassett, media at usaba.org, 719.630.0422
USABA Athlete, Rachael Scdoris, Completes the “Toughest Race on Earth” 

Rachael Scdoris conquered the Iditarod, coined the “Toughest Race on Earth” for the second time last night in Nome, Alaska.  The 24-year-old professional sled dog racer of Bend, Ore. crossed the burled arch in Nome to finish the famous race in 45th position in 14 days, 10 hrs, 8 minutes and 50 seconds.  

“My dream was always to compete in the Iditarod.  As a young girl, I made the decision not to allow my visual impairment to stand in the way of my dream, and I have been racing sled dogs since I was 11 years old. I have experienced some unbelievable challenges and opportunities during my career and am grateful for both the highs and lows. I hope my story can help encourage others to pursue their dreams.”

The Iditarod is unlike any other event in the world.  From Anchorage, in south central Alaska, to Nome on the western Bering Sea coast, each team of 12 to 16 dogs and their musher cover over 1150 miles in 10 to 17 days in temperatures far below zero.

Rachael believes the arctic storm that divided the field on the Yukon river may have cost her up to four days of time, against their planned race schedule.  She considers this race to have been “a huge confidence builder” for what she feels capable of when the weather is “less scary”.

To follow Rachael’s dog sledding adventures, visit her website and blog at www.RachaelMushing.com .