Watson 28th in U23 champs | Australian Olympic Committee

Aimee Watson has opened the World U23 Cross Country Championship with an impressive 28th place in the 10km Freestyle. Watson was back in 33rd place amongst the field of 46 starters after the first 5km lap, then began steadily to pull in places on the second lap. She skied the 22nd fastest second

Aimee Watson opened the World U23 Cross Country Championship with an impressive 28th place in the 10km Freestyle in Praz de Lys, France.

Watson was back in 33rd place amongst the field of 46 starters after the first 5km lap, then began steadily to pull in places on the second lap.

She skied the 22nd fastest second lap on her way up to 28th place, just over three minutes behind the winner, Sylwia of Poland.

She also scored FIS points of 111, which is consistent with her form so far this season, although they could have been significantly better if Jaskowiec hadn't smashed the field by 42 seconds.

Two days later, the 21-year-old Sydney skier finished in 31st place in the U23 Pursuit, recording 53 minutes 23.4 seconds over the 15km distance for 144.25 FIS points.

Jaskowiec collected her second gold medal of the championships, covering the course in a time of 49:09.2, to narrowly defeat Astrid Oeyre Slind of Norway.