Early Wrap for Louis in Slalom
Published Wed 16 Feb 2022
Extremely difficult course conditions have triggered a premature end for Louis Muhlen-Schulte in the men's slalom.
Louis entered the slalom buoyed by equalling Australia's best ever giant slalom result on Sunday, which was set by Zali Steggall in 1992.
However, within seconds of starting his slalom run it was a heartbreaking shock to see Louis straddle the third gate.
At that moment the run was over for Louis, which for results purposes classifies as a did not finish (DNF). There are two runs held for athletes in the men's slalom, but athletes only proceed to the second run if they successfully complete the first run.
Surface conditions wreaked havoc for all competitors which Louis reflected on, particularly the speed variations that come from soft snow on top of hard packed snow, as 34 of the 88 skiers failed to finish.
"There was a pretty tough set to begin with," Louis said.
"Then when you add in the difficulty of the really slick surfaces in spots, and then it kind of has that bit of hard grip to it when there's such cold snow on the top.
"So it for sure makes it trickier and more unforgiving, but it's just one of those things you always try to adapt with."
