ALPINE SKIING: When alpine skier Zali Steggall made history and claimed Australia’s first individual Olympic medal in the Slalom at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, she converted a patriotic sunburnt nation into instant winter Games fans. 

Sixteen years on, fellow slalom skier Ross Peraudo is now looking to literally come from the clouds, hurtle down the mountain and into the collective hearts of the Australian public.

With Australia on track to qualify two male competitors in Alpine Skiing events at the Sochi Games, Peraudo is aiming for a shot at glory in one of the Games blue ribband events.

The 21-year-old is the current junior and senior Australian national champion in his event and is the highest ranked Aussie currently sitting in 183rd in the FIS standings

This all bodes well for the youngster but Peraudo knows not to get complacent as he hits the final stretch in his bid to claim his maiden Olympic berth.

“There is still a month until the Games so there is plenty of opportunities to get bumped back in the rankings,” said Peraudo.

“I try not to think much about the Games. If I focus on skiing, results can come and hopefully I'll be good enough.”

Since mid-December Peraudo has set up camp in France where he has scored some promising results, most recently claiming 13th and 15th in Chamonix against extremely tough competition.

“Competing against the best in the world is always good and I have learnt a lot every race- but there's so much more I have to learn.

“Yes I have had some good results lately but I'm confident I can do better. I'm skiing well and just have to limit my mistakes at the moment.”

Like many of his compatriots, the young-gun spends most of his time chasing winter’s chill across the globe which is something that he has become used to.

“Having an Italian father helps because we have a house not far from my base in Oulx (Turin, Italy) so I can visit them often, plus I'm in a very friendly environment and having my sister working in the E.D.E.P program now makes me feel very much at home.

“I'm used to travelling a lot, I like it and you get to see some great places so it's nice to leave home sometimes.”

With the realisation of a childhood dream within his grasp, Peraudo knows that having the opportunity to wear his national colours with the world watching will help take him to new heights.

“It would be a great honour to represent Australia at the Games and it would be a dream come true for me.

“I know I can get close to the best if I ski my best so a top 30 results would be great.”

The Sochi Games will see Australia’s largest Winter Olympic Team with around 55-60 projected athletes set to give it their all in Russia. This is no doubt promising for all involved and Peraudo is hoping for greater support than ever before.

“I think winter sports in Australia have grown a lot and this team can pick up some great results at these Games.

“Hopefully this can open up new funds, sponsors and gain more viewing on winter sports in Australia- something that would no doubt help growth in future.”

A positive result from Peraudo and his Aussie teammates in Sochi could just see these predictions unfold sooner than many thought.