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Camplin pumped for Youth Olympians

 

Camplin pumped for Youth Olympians

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AOC
Camplin pumped for Youth Olympians

TEAM: Alisa Camplin knows the way to Olympic gold; she also knows young talent when she sees it.

TEAM: Alisa Camplin knows the way to Olympic gold; she also knows young talent when she sees it.

In 2012 the dual Olympic Aerials medallist was the Chef de Mission of Australia’s inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Team.

Camplin inspired and mentored 13 young Australian athletes at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Innsbruck, Austria, and an impressive trio among them have made it to Sochi.

Alpine skier Greta Small, luger Alex Ferlazzo and biathlete Lucy Glanville are still teenagers, but Camplin believes they are ready for the big show.

“I'm exceptionally proud of how far Alex, Lucy and Greta have come in such a short period of time,” Camplin said.  

“They have earned their right to represent their country at the highest level. I'm really looking forward to seeing them march in the Opening Ceremony and performing in their events." 

The YOG was designed as a springboard to the Olympic Games, and according to Camplin, these three Olympians will be better prepared than most rookies for Sochi.

“YOG provided invaluable big event experience for our winter athletes,” Camplin explained.

“They now understand what the Olympics are all about logistically, and they have a taste for the great energy and potential distractions that can be present in a multi-sport environment.”

Two years ago Ferlazzo was still extremely new to Luge, Glanville was representing Australia in Cross Country rather than Biathlon, and Small had never raced on the snow of a World Cup. Now they have scaled incredible heights- and the Games have not even begun.

 “All of our 2012 YOG athletes showed an impressive desire to learn and grow; and a fierce determination to progress their careers onto a senior Olympic Winter Games,” Camplin said.

“We almost had five YOG athletes make it to Sochi, and I'm sure many more will be representing Australia in 2018.”

YOG figure skater Chantelle Kerry and snowboarder Alex Fitch were also in contention to represent Australia in Sochi. Clearly, the Camplin effect has helped all of these YOG graduates.

“Alisa Camplin said to me that what you do at the Youth Olympics is basically 60 per cent of what a real Olympics is like,” Glanville said in Sochi.

“So for me, that one comment she made, taught me what to expect here, just on a bigger scale.”

Camplin recalls Glanville’s “meticulous” preparation for competition and described Small as “so level headed for someone with such big dreams.”

“I just take each day as it comes,” Small said on her arrival into Sochi.

“Doing five Alpine events is normal for me- I did it at the World Championships and throughout the past season so everything is pretty evenly matched.

“It’s amazing, I’m so proud to be here right now.”

As for Ferlazzo, Camplin says:

“Alex just loves to be on his Luge, taking runs, improving his driving and enjoying the thrill.”

The Townsville luger landed in Sochi and told awaiting media: “it is my moment.”

All three athletes have their own goals in Sochi and beyond, but Camplin has her own hopes for the bright Australian trio.

“I hope our 2012 YOG athletes have a highly positive 2014 Olympics, setting them up for an ultimate performance in 2018. If they can keep calm and trust in their own abilities, anything is possible!”

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