Few things are more pure than the starting gate of a giant slalom. Athletes perch atop the world, looking down at the peaceful snow below. There's a calmness standing inches away from a hurdling chaos, a small sliver of grace before alpine speed commandeers both their mental and physical fortitude.
Parker Biele knows all too well how the margin changes. There's an appreciation of the moment, a gratitude for the opportunity. It precedes her attack built on an unmatched determination.
Last weekend at Sugarloaf Mountain, everything came together perfectly for the Boston College junior.