CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: In the first event of the Beijing 2022 cross-country skiing program, the women's 7.5km + 7.5km skiathlon will feature Australian Jess Yeaton who is competing at her second Olympic Games.
Having finished 12th at PyeongChang 2018, Jess will take part in a field of 65 athletes amid freezing conditions and is excited for race day.
“I’m feeling really excited about it,” Jess said ahead of race day.
“The weather is definitely interesting. I got back from training and it was really windy and cold so it’s a bit challenging.
“I’m hoping it’s not too bad tomorrow but I’m really excited, feeling good and am ready to race.”
Ready to embrace the challenges of her competition tomorrow Jess highlighted that she was ready for the tough race ahead.
“With the conditions, I guess the mental side of comes into it a lot as well. How you approach a tough day in these conditions, and on that race course, I think the course is really hard.
“But I’m ready and excited to race. Being the first person to race, hopefully I can have a good result.”
Watch Jess Yeaton in action from 6:45pm AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus.
Skiathlon combines both classical and freestyle techniques, meaning there are more tactics involved in Skiathlon than in regular mass start races. Competitors start simultaneously, lined up in an arrow format with the best ranked skiers at the front.
The first half of the race is completed using a classical technique. Athletes then use dedicated changing boxes in the stadium to switch skis and often poles. The second half of the race is raced using the free technique. Ladies complete three 2.5km loops and men complete four 3.75km loops.
Shannon Knaus
#HaveAGo
Cross-Country Skiing
CAN YOU SKI IN AUSTRALIA?
Yes! There are 10 Ski Resorts in Australia that are easy to access.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Skiing is very affordable to #HaveAGo. You can rent all the equipment you need which is a low-cost way to try snowsports.
WHAT KIT DO I NEED?
All you need to get going is skis, poles, ski boots, a helmet, snow jacket, gloves and pants. All these items can be rented from ski shops to help get you started without having to buy everything for your first time.
