What an amazing experience it has been to race at my first Olympics. From my arrival in Sochi through to the closing ceremony, I have enjoyed the full experience. Many thanks to all those on the team who supported me – Ginny Rutledge for the physio, Chris Mosaed for ski prep and support, and all the staff involved behind the scenes making life run smoothly for all of the athletes.
The slalom was my final event and consisted of a night race on the 22nd February. First run started 4.45pm but it took a bit of time to my start with bib 63 out of a field of 117. Moved up a few spots to 50 for the second run which was quite late with my run around 9.00pm. The 2nd course set was by Croatian Ante Kostelic and had a very high attrition rate from many of the top guys through to the last. I had a plan but ended up just surviving and was very pleased to place 25th at the end of the night.
The giant slalom race was on the 19th with 109 competitors from all over the world and I finished in 44th position. By the time my run started the conditions were quite rough and the course was very long. I was happy with my second run and in general with the course – stoked to have finished where I did in this Olympics. My body felt pretty sore by evening from the bumpy ride and the long day.
Another new experience was the volume of interviews that had to be done.
Now back in Austria and will be getting back into a busy race schedule over this next week.
Adam Barwood 