LUGE: Alex Ferlazzo has started his third Olympic campaign, becoming the first Australian to ever compete at three Games in Luge.
Sitting 19th after his first run with a time of 58.216, unfortunately the Townsville local found his second run tougher. He logged 58.994 in the second run but maintained his 19th position on combined times after two runs.
In tough conditions that saw many racers come unstuck, Alex was left to rue some minor mistakes that cost him precious time.
With only the top 20 after the third run on Sunday continuing to the fourth and final run, Alex knows it’s well within his sights to make that final cut.
“I was quite happy with my first run. [I] had a little hit on the bottom but it wasn't too much time, but in the second round there were a few mistakes that I’m just really not sure why it happened,” Alex said.
“I just checked my steel and it seems a little bit loose, the ice is so hard, it makes it very tricky to send it straight. The ice is super hard right now and this is the fastest ice we've had on this on this track since it's been built.
“Everyone's making huge mistakes at the moment so really, it's anyone’s race. Ultimately, the goal is to get that that fourth run right now and anything can happen. There's so much action out there at the moment, it’s really exciting.
And that is a 58.99 for Alexander Ferlazzo 👏
— 7Olympics (@7olympics) February 5, 2022
He will have to stay inside the top 20 to secure a spot in the fourth and final round.#Beijing2022 #7Olympics pic.twitter.com/zf7hoMCkWD
After his second run, Alex also had a surprise from the Olympic organisers.
“They had my friends, family, my girlfriend all on the TV at the end of my second run - they're all sitting around watching the projector back home and it was great. I just I told them all that I'm so happy that I get to see them and you know just stoked to get to share this moment with them.
“Competing in three Olympics I'm quite proud of that. I love representing Australia, I love the sport of Luge and it's just a shame I haven't had a result yet that I'm super proud with. I’m working on this for sure, I’ve still got tomorrow.
“Tomorrow, I'd just love to put a run down that I’m proud of and see just how fast I can go on a clean run.”
Alex takes on run three from 10:30pm AEDT on Sunday 6 February, with the top 20 on combined times then progressing to the fourth and final run from 12:15am AEDT on Monday 7 February.
Dominic Sullivan
#HaveAGo
Luge
CAN YOU LUGE IN AUSTRALIA?
There are no tracks in Australia, however we can definitely train on the roads and for the start in Australia.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT?
Luge is a sport that takes years to master, the stronger nations start before the age of 10years. In Australia we are looking for athletes between the ages of 14-16years to start Luge.
WHAT SKILL SET DO YOU NEED TO DO LUGE?
You need explosive strength, agility and speed... You also need to have a sense of adventure and a willingness to work hard and independently.
