Alpine athletes working hard at Lausanne 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games

From olympics.com.au

It's almost half way through the Lausanne 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games and our Alpine athletes have been working hard, with both the women and men competing on day five in the Slalom.

Zoe Michael finished in 27th position, with a combined time of 1:42.94 seconds.

“The course was really icy which was new to us Aussies. I managed to make it into the top thirty, so I was really happy with that result. I was first in the start list on the second run which was pretty sweet,” Michael said.

“The conditions were perfect, and I made sure to just have fun and enjoy the moment. I managed to do that and soak in the experience so I’m really happy.”

Unfortunately, the icy course proved a challenge for Isabella Davis, who came out of the course in her first run, signalling the end of her campaign at Lausanne.

Despite being disqualified, Davis was still happy with her experience.

“The conditions were super icy – a bit different from what I’m used to racing. I was really happy with how I was skiing until I missed a gate and had to hike.

“It’s been really exciting skiing in Switzerland and having this experience. The crowd gives you energy when you’re coming down the course. The Games have been so incredible. I’ve had the best time, it’s been surreal, but I feel like I’ve learnt so much.”

In the men’s, Joey Steggall also finished in 27th position with a combined time 1:25.35 seconds. Thomas Hoffman finished 12th in the first run with a time of 38.22 seconds. Unfortunately, a few mistakes in his second run saw him finish in 25th overall with a time of 1:23.46 seconds.

“I’m feeling pretty bummed. I had some pretty big mistakes on my second run after having a nice first run,” Hoffman said.

“My first run was really good; I went out and was able to execute what I had planned to do. I ended up in a pretty good spot, so I was pretty happy. Unfortunately, during my second run as I was coming onto the flat, I was a little late then got a bit flustered. When you lean inside, the skis don’t work as well so I came to a bit of a stop.

“It’s been good sharing the Games experience with my family. It’s always nice to come down and talk with the family all about it. It’s really special having them here cheering from the sidelines.”

Wednesday marks the last day of Alpine, with Michaels and Hoffman tackling the Parallel Mixed Team Event, a head-to-head Giant Slalom event from 11.00 (21.00 AEDT).