BLOG: I have made a big step forward in my racing career since I competed at the Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria in January 2012. There I finished top ten in two events (Slalom and Super G), carried the Australian Flag at the Opening Ceremony and met Olympic Champion Lindsey Vonn – now I race against her!

Since starting competition in the Northern Hemisphere, it has been non-stop travelling and racing - today was my 50th race start for the 2012/2013 season. I have achieved some of my goals including defending my Overall Continental Cup and National Titles, but I still have a few more races to go until my race season is over.

February was the month of World Championships; racing in both senior and junior events. Competing in all five disciplines at the senior World Alpine Ski Championships in Schladming, Austria was very exciting. It was a big learning curve for the future. I made my goal of finishing in the top 30 in the Super Combined where I placed 25th and just missing out in the Downhill where I paced 33rd. The speed course was super technical and ended several of the competitor’s racing seasons.

The World Junior Championships held in Quebec, Canada shortly after were interesting. Racing conditions were tough and Mother Nature played her part dumping snow and creating fog. I placed 3rd U18 in the Slalom race. Then a crash in the Giant Slalom through a gate panel left me with deep shin bruising at boot height. I opted out of training because my shin was too painful, but the following day I dug deep and placed 2nd U18 in the Super G. In both the Slalom and Super G, I finished better than last season against the same competitors as the new rule now allows juniors to 21 years old.

Three days ago, I returned from the European Cup Finals and Olympic Test Events in Sochi, Russia. The slopes at Rosa Khutor where the Alpine events are going to be held has lots of varied terrain - it will make for a very technical and fast speed course. The Giant Slalom conditions held up nicely and the slope was prepared very well considering the extremely hot temperatures. I placed 23rd picking up my first Europa Cup points. Unfortunately, the Super G course was extremely difficult and rough due to snow conditions and I finished in 21st position. Although, both races are my best Europa Cup places to date. The Downhill runs were cancelled due to dangerous conditions on the slopes, high winds and rain storms.

My most interesting experience so far this season was in South Korea at the Far East Cup races, where the 2018 Olympics will be held. I skied consistently and came away with two silvers and one gold and my best FIS points to date. The best thing there is that you can ski from 08:30am to 03:30am, it’s just insane!!!

To follow my adventures and races go to www.facebook.com/GretaSmallAUSGreta