BOBSLEIGH: Having led the green and gold cheering brigade at the PyeongChang 2018 Games, it’s now the Aussie bobsleigh athletes turn to take the Olympic stage as the 2-man competition kicks off tomorrow.

After six official training runs at the Alpensia Sliding Centre, the boys are itching to race as the best 2-man crews in the world will look to come out firing in runs 1 and 2 tomorrow.

“Tomorrow’s game day, today was the last ‘test things out day,” said pilot, Lucas Mata.

“I channel nervousness, it makes me feel more alert and ready to race.” 

David Mari will line up as Mata’s brakeman in his first Olympic campaign, and the 22-year-old said he was excited to get on the ice.

“I’m feeling fired up. I just want to get on the track and race,” Mari said.

Mata and Mari and their four-man teammates Hayden Smith and Lachlan Reidy have been supporting their fellow Aussie competitors throughout the first week of Olympic competition, and the flurry of top results have been inspiring.

“It’s been awesome cheering on the other Aussies so far at the Games. To see Matty, Jarryd and Scotty finish on the podium makes us more motivated give it our all,” Mari said.  

The bobsleigh foursome has been in PyeongChang for two weeks now, so are desperate to finally get their opportunity to compete.

“The track feels good, the cold weather has made it very fast. Lucas needs to get out there, drive it well and we should be able to get a top result,” Mari said.

“A perfect day on the track for us means consistent runs and good pushes. If we can do that and execute our time down the track will reflect.”

According to Mari, getting ready for bobsleigh competition requires hours of work, getting both the sled and athletes ready to fly down the track.

“We’ve been at the track for the last four or five days getting everything sorted – polishing runners and making sure we are ready to go.”

“Tomorrow morning on race day we’ll make sure we get the spin bikes and stretch make sure everything is feeling loose. Eating is also an important part of race day.”

Mata and Mari will race in runs 1 and 2 of the men’s 2-man competition on Sunday 18 February at 20:05 local time.

Ashleigh Knight
olympics.com.au