Speed skater Peter Michael has claimed an encouraging fourth place finish in the men’s 5000m at Gangneung Oval on day two of the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games.
The Kiwi was fast off the start line, before dropping back in the middle section and then rallying for an impressive finish in which he recorded the fastest last lap.
“I went into it a little too hot and it cost me through the middle section. I was just lucky to have a little bit more fight in the tank to get back at the end,” he said.
After a strong race Michael was disappointed to miss out on the podium.
“I kicked into it a little early, the adrenaline was pumping, but it’s good to have the Olympics underway,” he said.
Michael will now turn his focus to the 1500m race on Tuesday 13 February and says, “After that performance I’m feeling quite strong for it.”
Coach Kalon Dobbin says while today’s result comes with a mixture of disappointment and pride for Michael, his performance bodes well for the Team Pursuit.
“We always know Pete can come home strong,” he said. “It sets us up well for the rest of the competition.
“Pursuit always comes down to the last two laps. Seeing Pete pull through like that and having the fastest last lap, that does bring a lot of confidence to the guys. We’re really excited to get back out on the ice.”
Dutch athlete Sven Kramer claimed his third Olympic gold medal, beating his own Olympic record in the 5000m with a time of 6:09.76. Ted-Jan Bloeman (CAN) claimed silver and Sverre Lunde Pedersen (NOR) bronze.
The action continues tomorrow for the NZ Olympic team with Zoi Sadowski-Synnott competing in women’s snowboard slopestyle and Alice Robinson in the women’s Giant Slalom.