A ‘blue bird' day in Beijing meant clear blue skies but freezing temperatures for Jessica Yeaton as she took on the star-studded field in the women's 7.5km + 7.5km skiathlon, finishing 31st on Day 1 of the Cross-Country Skiing program.
The dual-Olympian was looking to improve on her 50th place finish in 2018, and that is exactly what she did, setting a new Personal Best on a difficult course, and among an impressive field of athletes.
Yeaton battled the elements in the first 7.5km, coming into the pit stop in 42nd place at 25:55.1, 2:50.4 off the pace. But she put in an incredible effort to climb back up the ranks to finish 31st with a final time of 48:54.0.
“I’m feeling good.” Yeaton said after the race.
“I’m really quite happy with the result. My goal was to finish top 30, and I was only just outside of that. So with me moving up the whole time I’m feeling pretty good, and I’m really excited for my next race.
On Day 1 of the program, Yeaton said that she is already feeling the benefits of her 2018 experience.
“I’m having a great time. In the Village, it’s such a great set up and it’s a really good atmosphere.
“There is a lot of racing. When you are at the Games it takes a bit of getting used to but as it’s my second I’m able to focus as I know what to expect.”
The event was dominated by Therese Johaug of Norway who won Gold, followed by Russian Olympic Committee athlete Natalia Nepryaeva (Silver) and Austrian Teresa Stadlober (Bronze).
Next in the program, Yeaton will be back racing in the Women’s Sprint Free Qualification on Day 4 of the Games. The Men's 15km + 15km Skiathlon will take place on Sunday.
Shannon Knaus
#HaveAGo
Cross-Country Skiing
CAN YOU SKI IN AUSTRALIA?
Yes! There are 10 Ski Resorts in Australia that are easy to access.
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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.
