ALPINE SKIING:  Alpine Skiing is one of the most exhilarating and dangerous sports on the Sochi 2014 program.

Athletes reach speeds well over 100km per hour as they race against the clock.

In some European countries, the sport is a national pastime- that’s probably why Austria has filled the maximum Olympic quota of 22 competitors.

Australia on the other hand, will be represented by a five-strong team when competition gets underway on Sunday.

With an average age of just over 20, Australia’s young gun debutants – Greta Small (18), Emily Bamford (21), Lavinia Chrystal (24), Ross Peraudo (21) and Dominic Demschar (20) – are ready to punch above our weight on the slopes of Sochi.

The youngest, and busiest, of the Aussie contingent is Greta Small who will race in all five Alpine disciplines. 

“I am really excited that the Games have finally begun,” Small said.

“I am really proud to make Australian history by competing in all five events at one Olympic Games.”

Small knows Sochi will be the toughest contest of her life, but is looking forward to the challenge.

Having competed at the World Championships last year, finishing a commendable 25th in the Super Combined and 33rd in Downhill, there are a few familiar faces on the slopes of Sochi.

“The girls that I am competing against have got another ten years or more experience on me so it is pretty sweet to be racing them,” Small said.

“I am second-youngest in the field by eight days, and then the next youngest are another three years older so to be in this field is pretty cool.”

Teammates Emily Bamford and Lavinia Chrystal are equally as enthusiastic for their Slalom and Giant Slalom competitions to begin.

"I'm excited for the Slalom," Bamford said.

"I consider myself more of a Slalom skier but I can't say that I'm not excited for the GS (Giant Slalom)- I'm so excited just to do everything."

Sydney skier Chrystal has been counting down to her Olympic debut for some time.

"I'm really excited for both of our events," Chrystal explained.

"But other than that, I'm excited to watch other events- the men's Downhill will probably be really spectacular."

There won’t be an Aussie in the coveted men’s Downhill event (where American Bode Miller is a favourite), but Australia will be represented in the men’s Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super G events.

With a host of strong finishes in Giant Slalom in early 2014, Austrian born Demschar is pumped for the competition to get started.

“I am most looking forward to the GS (Giant Slalom) as it is my best event so I am really excited,” said Demschar.

“It will be brilliant to ski against some of my heroes like Ted (Ligety), Bode (Miller) and some of the Austrians and see how we compare.”

Peraudo is also struggling to contain his excitement.

“It’s a dream come true and I never that I would get to this position,” the 21-year-old said.

“I’ve competed at Kitzbuhel which was great but I think the crowd here will be pretty amazing.”

Demschar and Peraudo will compete in the Slalom and Giant Slalom with Demschar also being in the field for the Super G.

The men’s Downhill is on today but Small kicks off the Aussies involvement in Alpine on Monday in the women’s Downhill.