posted Sep 11th, 2003 - NSL NEWS: Shannon, what happened to the Norgie Girls yesterday in round six? SHANNON PILCHER: We had a bad exit and we knew it was the only thing that we had to worry about in that jump. We even talked about trying to hold the Yuan in training for just a second. But it is just so steep that you cannot hold it. After the funnel, we regrouped and had the best skydive of all the teams, I believe. But the damage was already done.

NSL NEWS: Here are some questions from the NSL audience. What is your impression of the women's FS4 competition? The Norwegian and British teams haven't changed much since 2001. Do you think their consistency is giving them an edge over the US team? SHANNON PILCHER: I do not think that this is the case. Both the British and the Norgie Girls have had personnel changes since 2001. I think it is just a matter of timing. For whatever reasons the U.S. girls are not putting it together on game day. Every round I have been expecting them to come out of their shell. But when you are getting beat consistently it is hard not to get discouraged.

NSL NEWS: Is the US Team skydiving at their potential? SHANNON PILCHER: Absolutely not. I have not seen a lot of their scores this year. But I have seen some of their jumps, and I have seen them in the tunnel. I know that they are as good as any team out there.

NSL NEWS: What's your impression as to the raw talent comparison between the US and French Open Class teams? SHANNON PILCHER: I believe the French have the greater raw talent. When things go as planned, both teams demonstrate their great skills. But when things do not go as planned, I think the French are better at fixing the situation, which is one example of better raw talent.

NSL NEWS: Do the Knights have a chance if the French don't make any major mistakes? SHANNON PILCHER: I would say that the Knights do still have a chance. I know if any team will go down fighting they will. But France is in a good position at this point, and I believe they will not make any major mistakes.

NSL NEWS: Are the Knights at the top of their game? SHANNON PILCHER: My impression is that the Golden Knights are at the top of their game. But they have not necessarily had a great meet.

NSL NEWS: Another question as of the 4-way Women’s event from the audience. Do you have any observations regarding that some of the top 4-way Open Class teams from Norway, Italy, Russia and Switzerland include female participants? Without a thorough scan, there are a number of other teams including female team members. Your thoughts? SHANNON PILCHER: These teams are all great teams and a lot of fun to watch. Knowing that there are girls on the team makes it even better.

NSL NEWS: 8-way teams are in the air, Shannon. What are you expecting to happen in this event?

SHANNON PILCHER: I am not an 8-way technician. I think the U.S. and Russian team are very closely matched and had it not been for the better engineering by Russia in round five, the U.S. team would be even closer. I expect very little change in the top three standings. And I know that the U.S.A. is waiting for the Russians to make a mistake. NSL NEWS: Thank you, Shannon.