Alpine
It was a frustrating case of nearly but not quite for ski racer Jackson Rich competing in the Giant Slalom today.
Starting from bib 43 of 60 racers, he made it through his first run in 34th place, just missing the top 30 ‘flip’ which would have resulted in an earlier start position for his second run.
“The first run went alright,” Rich explains, “but I made a mistake coming on to the flats which cost me some time.
“I was a bit gutted about that so my attitude for the second run was just to give it heaps and not hold back.”
The second run was going to plan, Rich skiing a fast aggressive line, until five gates from the finish the edge of his ski didn’t quite engage as he made his turn and in a split second it was all over and Rich crashed out of the course.
“I was really pleased with how I was skiing up until then,” he says. “I’m disappointed with the overall outcome but all in all it was an awesome day.
“It was an amazing experience and the atmosphere was really cool. Some of my New Zealand team mates were there to support me and lots of local high school kids. It’s amazing having a whole lot of people there cheering for you.”
Ski racing continues tomorrow with Elizabeth Reid competing in the Slalom.