Snowboard slalom athletes open Australia's Asian Winter Games

Slalom athletes Millie Bongiorno, Christian De Oliveira and Nick Masjuk have started Australia’s Asian Winter Games campaign, competing in the Giant Slalom on opening day of competition at Sapporo Teine.

The three Aussie athletes battled windy conditions but pulled through with Bongiorno leading the way finishing 7th among the field of 15 in the women’s event.

The 19-year-old also earned the honour of being Australia’s first athlete to compete at an Asian Winter Games. 

“This is an amazing experience and I’m just so lucky that I’m here competing against World Cup riders, it’s a totally different level to what I’ve been on,” Bongiorno said.

“This is probably the biggest event I’ve ever done and being up against these World Cup riders who’ve been snowboarding for years and in front of all the cameras and supporters definitely built up the nerves. But it’s awesome and I wouldn’t change anything.”

Ranked sixth after the first run, Bongiorno completed a super second run to solidify her place in the top 10.

“The course was running a lot smoother in the second run. The snow was firmer and it was a straighter set. It was a lot faster. It felt better than my first run, I think I took a tighter line, hopefully my coach says I did. I was a bit late into some corners but I tried to make up for it towards the end.

In the men’s event Christian De Oliveira had two consistent runs to finish 10th overall. The 17-year-old was more confident with his second run.

“I much preferred the reset,” De Oliveira said. “The course was a little straighter and I’m more comfortable with that.” 

The young athlete gained confidence from his first run.

“This is a whole new experience so it’s taken some time to get used to it, the crowd and the cameras are cool. Interviews and autographs are all new to me.”

Nick Masjuk finished 17th and was disappointed with his performance, but says tomorrow is a new day.

“Wasn’t great but tomorrow’s (Slalom) is a lot different so I’m just going to forget about today, have fun for the rest of the day and try and get back into my routine. I changed routine a little bit so I’ll keep to my usual routine and see how I go tomorrow.”

The athletes are back in action on Monday in the Snowboard Slalom. 

Live streaming of the Asian Winter Games is available via the Sapporo17 website.

Article courtesy Michelle Cook | AOC