ALPINE SKIING: Aussie young gun Greta Small has completed her first Olympic run as she finished 29th in the Downhill component of the Super Combined event at the Rosa Khutor Alpine Centre on Monday.
ALPINE SKIING: Aussie young gun Greta Small has completed her first Olympic run as she finished 29th in the Downhill component of the Super Combined event at the Rosa Khutor Alpine Centre on Monday.
Small was 5.31 seconds off the USA’s Julia Mancuso who led Switzerland’s Laura Gut by 0.47 seconds with Slovenia’s Tina Maze 0.86 seconds back.
The 18-year-old Australian hit speeds over 97km/ph down the 2.7km course but a mistake at Forest Drop kept Small from pushing into the top 20.
“I messed up the first turn (at Forest drop) and that pushed me back,” said Small.
“I was happy from the Tunnel Jump down to the finish but that top bit lost me a lot of time.
“I’m happy I made the Slalom and I’m looking forward to putting on the short skis.”
The second youngest competitor in the field by eight days, Small is gaining experience at every turn on the Sochi slopes.
“In the gate your heart is pounding. It’s such a thrill but It’s not until I get to the finish that I take it all in.
“Being 10 years younger than the other girls I am really hoping to use this Games to gain a heap of experience.”
Small will complete the Slalom component of the Super Combined competition at 3pm local time – 10pm AEDT.
