Jezersek claims NZ Winter Games silver

Barbara Jezersek (left) on the podium at the NZ Winter Games after taking 2nd place in the 5km Freestyle race

Matt Bartolo
olympics.com.au

Australia’s Barbara Jezersek has continued her strong run of form by claiming 5km Freestyle silver at the opening Cross Country event of the NZ Winter Games.

Jezersek, who is on track to compete at her third Winter Olympic Games but first for Australia at PyeongChang, dominated the Australian winter season and can now add another podium result to her growing list of achievements in the green and gold.

"It's great to be back  at Snow Farm," said Jezersek.

"Today's 5km race was a total surprise and I didn't expect to end up on podium. It's just a great indication that my training plan is working well and I'm getting stronger. Now just go for next two Classic races."

The 30-year-old was wedged between USA duo Jessica Diggins, who finished 10 seconds ahead of her, and Sophie Caldwell who she beat home by 0.6 seconds.

Diggins won both 5km Freestyle events in 2016/17 World Cup competition, in what is a non-Olympic event, while also claiming two World Championships medals. 

Fellow Australian and Sochi 2014 Olympian Aimee Watson was 11th, while Sara Slattery was 14th and Katerina Paul 16th.

In the men’s 10km Freestyle, Aimee’s brother Callum, also a Sochi 2014 Olympian, was Australia’s best in 7th, just over 11 seconds back from winner Banjamin Lustgarten of the USA.

Paul Kovacs was next in for Australia in 8th, while another Sochi Olympian in Phil Bellingham claimed 14th, with Ewan Watson in 19th.

The Aussie contingent will take on the Sprint races tomorrow before the Mass Start on Saturday.