‘94 WINTER OLYMPICS / LILLEHAMMER : Notebook

Given the recent death of teammate Ulrike Maier, killed in a Jan. 29 downhill crash, the Austrian women might be forgiven for their lackluster performances.

American Julie Parisien, who has found it difficult to ski since the death of her brother more than a year ago, said she understands.

“It’s just been really tough on them,” Parisien said. “Every time they’re in the start gate, I’m sure they’re thinking about Ulli. Every time I’m in there I’m thinking, ‘Wow, did Ulli talk to these people before she went down? Did she click into her bindings the same way?’ ” All this goes through your head, because she was so close to all of us.”