ALPINE SKIING: Amid a picture perfect backdrop Australia’s Liam Michael has finished seventh in the men’s Giant Slalom at the 2017 Sapporo Asian Winter Games.

Conditions couldn’t have been better for the 44 starters from 18 nations and were in stark contrast to what the field experienced a day earlier when training was abandoned due to poor visibility and wind.

Not knowing what to expect, 17-year-old Michael chose to take a conservative approach on his first run.  

“My training run on the arena didn’t go so great through the middle section, the snow changed on me so I wasn’t expecting that,” Michael said. 

“After my first run in the gates I built up a confidence to stand on it when you come over that knoll.  That really helped me try and go for it more. I went for it more and it turned out better.”

Michael’s first run of 1:11.27 seeded him ninth for run two and in his second run he stopped the clock in a time of 1:12:35.

“Really happy with seventh,” he said.

“I know the top (ranked) athlete, he’s a really good skier and he’s had some past good results and his points are low. There’s a few guys on World Cup or edging on World Cup so it’s good to have some experience with those guys.” 

Wearing the green and gold was a momentous occasion for Michael who hails from Manly but lives in Park City, Utah.

"I've never worn an Australian suit before, it was awesome to pull on what the Olympians wear, I'm really proud and excited to be here,” he said.

The Asian Winter Games Alpine Skiing competition continues Thursday with Zanna Farrell in action in the Women’s Giant Slalom. Michael will be back in action at Sapporo Teine on Friday in the men’s Slalom event. 

Michelle Cook