Torino Olympics 2006

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February 23 2006

CAMPBELL AND McLEOD FLY THE NEW ZEALAND FLAG

AT THE OLYMPICS

New Zealand skiers Nicola Campbell and Erika McLeod say skiing in the Olympic women’s slalom at Torino was an incredible experience and one they will never forget. Campbell finished 35th in the 64 strong field and McLeod was 40th. Campbell was delighted with her performance because slalom is not her best discipline. “I had no expectations and hadn’t finished a lot of slaloms in Europe this season, but my first run was a stunner. I’m thrilled. My second run I made a few mistakes but I was pretty happy overall.”

                                                    Nicola in the Olympic Slalom finish

Starting in 49th position she clocked 45.90 in the first run to finish 35th going into the second run. She was timed at 50.92 on the second finishing with a combined time of 1.36.82.

The gold medal was won by World Cup exponent Anja Paerson of Sweden in 1.29.04.

The Sestriere course was icy and challenging and Campbell admits to being nervous during the course inspection.

“I have never skied in such icy conditions but once you got on it and stayed on an edge it wasn’t so bad. There was also fog on the course at times.”

She says it was daunting to see the crowd in the stand from the start gates but skiing through the finish was awesome.

“I can’t describe the experience, I’ll never have it again unless I go to another Olympics.”

Campbell says she is ready and looking forward to the giant slalom (Feb 24) now that the slalom is over.

“My goal is to ski top 30 in the giant slalom which some people thought was too high. But I have just about done it in slalom so am hoping that if I ski well in the GS I will reach it.”

McLeod started in 53rd place and was 44th after the first run finishing in 47.96.

She clocked 52.61 in her second run to give her a combined time of 1.40.57 moving her up to 40th place.

“It was cool to do the slalom and I was very happy with the way I skied in sections of it. I made a few mistakes in the first run but was more relaxed in the second and am pleased to complete two runs and finish. It’s good to get the result.”

She says the course was certainly challenging, very like World Cup conditions.

“I thought it would be slick but it was actually more grippy. They are conditions we are not really used to but we did have a few good days training beforehand so we knew what to expect.”

Like Campbell, McLeod found the atmosphere at the Olympic slalom incredible.

“We have a huge crowd of Kiwi supporters here. All our families and friends

it’s amazing, we’ve got one of the biggest contingents.”

Among the supporters is Erika’s grandfather Brian McLeod who has a high profile as a New Zealand Masters skier.

New Zealand Women’s team coach Eric Rolland was pleased with the performance of Campbell and McLeod.

“The course was well prepared and held up well, it was a good race. Nicola skied very well in the first run and Erika was more relaxed and skied much better in the second.”

He says it is good to have one race completed and the Kiwi pair can now look ahead to the giant slalom.

“The conditions will be challenging on the giant slalom hill and we are free-skiing there tomorrow to get some good training for the event.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: SUE BRIDGWATER

SKI RACING NEW ZEALAND CEO 03 980 6868