Whiz Kid: Young Skier Finds Success

Every Wednesday, St. Louis Park Patch will recognize an outstanding local youngster as a "Whiz Kid." If you would like to nominate someone, please click .

Whiz Kid: Daisy Richmond

Age: 13

School: (eighth grade)

Accomplishment: Daisy was the top girl finisher in the City of Lakes Loppet junior race, held Feb. 5.

Key to Awesome-ness: Skiing pretty much since the day she could stand, Daisy has always been a natural in the snow.

For the past few years, she has competed in the City of Lakes Loppet, Minneapolis' well-known annual ski festival. This year, with her dad and younger sister looking on, Daisy completed the 5 kilometer course in 13:32.4, good enough for ninth place overall and first among all competing girls.

Daisy said she likes to ski because "it's fun and a good way to get exercise in the winter." When not competing in loppets, this talented eighth grader is making a mark as a member of the Benilde-St. Margaret's varsity Nordic ski team. And the snow isn't the only place where Daisy is paired with kids older than her — this "A" honor roll student is also taking a ninth-grade math class.