Torino Olympics 2006

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20 FEBRUARY 2006

SKIERS LONG WAIT NEARLY OVER AT OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES

The long wait is nearly over for New Zealand’s three Winter Olympic skiers, who compete in Turin later this week.

The skiers – Nicola Campbell, Erika McLeod and Michael Ross – have watched and waited while New Zealand’s curlers, snowboarders, skeleton and bobsleigh riders have opened their Olympic campaigns.

Campbell and McLeod made good use of the time, ducking down to Abetone, in southern Italy, for a two-day Europa Cup meeting. “We didn’t go that well down there, but it was good to get in some competition,” said the 20-year-old Campbell.

“It was my first competition at Europa Cup level and it was a big step up for me. Some of the people I’ll be competing against at the Olympics were there. I was really nervous on the first day and didn’t make the cut, but on the second day I settled down and qualified.”

The Europa Cup event emphasised to Campbell and McLeod, 24, what a challenge they face against the world’s best skiers this week.

The New Zealanders have been fitting in as much training as they can in the Italian Alps, though erratic weather conditions have sometimes made it difficult.

Campbell said she was looking forward to competing, having watched the rest of the New Zealand team. “I haven’t been that nervous, probably because I’ve been busy training and haven’t focused too much on the actual event.” She said she had no injury concerns. “I’m feeling really healthy. I just have to get down to the finish!”

Campbell and McLeod compete in the slalom on Thursday morning (New Zealand time) and the giant slalom two days later.

Ross, 25, is the only male skier in the team. He is contesting just the slalom, and will be the last New Zealander to compete, on Sunday (New Zealand time).

For further information on the New Zealand team check out www.olympic.org.nz

Contact:

Tomas Huppert

Chef de Mission

NZ Team

0039 338 256 0701