The weather was stable early, however at the conclusion of the women’s race the winds were gusting at between 27-35km/h with the mercury dropping below -11 degrees.

Jess Yeaton and Casey Wright fought hard throughout the punishing race to finish 43rd and 56th position respectively.

Jess spoke about the elements and how she felt throughout the race.

“It was definitely pretty rough with the cold and the winds picking up a lot at the end there,” she said.

“I was hoping to feel a little bit better. On the first lap I was feeling pretty good and kind of midway through I was feeling as though my legs were not really there. I was struggling a lot and fighting a lot for the rest of the race.

“It was tough because I had hoped for a better comp but I was happy with standing my ground and hold onto the spot that I had because it was definitely tougher than I thought it was going to be for me.”

Casey felt the conditions were equally challenging, but she was glad for the earlier start time.

“I definitely prefer the shorter events. I’m actually quite happy with my race in that I was able to hold it together and was able to find people to ski with,” Casey said.

“I was happy to beat my ranking position from the start and that was my goal. The weather was getting worse and worse all around us so I’m glad that the race was moved earlier and [that] we are not starting now because that would have been a bit grim.”

Our cross-country skiers have performed strongly throughout these Games. Jess and Casey have both completed an exhausting five-event program, with today’s 30km event coming off the back of the skiathlon, freestyle sprint, 10km classic and the team sprint.

Jess in the skiathlon set the best cross-country individual result for an Australian at the Olympics in our 70-year history, finishing 31st. When asked about her experience at these Games, Jess reflected on this great achievement.

“The first race it surprised me with the result, and I didn’t expect to get that good of a result in that race. That was my highlight, but I think the whole thing was a good experience and it was fun to hang with the team.”

When Casey identified a fond moment from her Games, she spoke about the connection she has to her teammate Jess.

“I think it definitely would have been the team sprint with Jess. There is always something special about skiing with your teammates and working together as a team, that would have to be my favourite bit.

“Ending with today putting everything out there and having nothing left in the tank is a nice feeling too.”

Jonathan Sweet

#HaveAGo