Phoebe Heaydon has opened her first Olympic Winter Games with a composed performance in the Women’s Giant Slalom, climbing from bib 52 to finish 34th on the world’s biggest stage.
The young Australian sat 40th after her opening run and returned to the start gate determined to make the most of her second opportunity on the Tofane.
Article courtesy olympics.com.au
She delivered again in run two, improving six positions to close out her first Olympic race inside the top 35.
The 20-year-old carried no expectations into the giant slalom, instead using the event to gain valuable experience on the hill inside an iconic venue that erupted when Federica Brignone claimed victory for Italy.
“I had zero expectations for the GS,” said Heaydon. “I was more just doing it because I qualified for it and I was able to, and it was experience for the slalom where my main focus is.”
Racing among the sport’s biggest names in front of a vocal crowd did little to rattle the Olympic debutant, who has gained valuable exposure competing in her first World Cup events earlier this season.
“It was super cool just being around the top girls again… super nice,” she said. “I’m lucky that I’ve had a bit of experience around them in the World Cups this year.
“[I was] definitely less nervous than I anticipated, but it was amazing with all the people and just seeing my parents at the bottom was super special.”
Beyond the result, the giant slalom provided important preparation for Wednesday’s Women’s Slalom, where she will line up alongside fellow Olympic debutant Madi Hoffman.
“I didn’t think I would do anything at all in the GS, so to even be that close to top 30 in the GS is pretty good,” she said. “So now I think I’m capable of a lot for the slalom.
“I got to test out the snow, just figure out the nerves — basically [the] main two things.
“I saw where the slalom hill is, so that’s another thing.
“Now I know my setup for the slalom and I’ve got some confidence.”
Phoebe Heaydon and Madi Hoffman will contest the Women’s Slalom on Wednesday 18 February.
The young Australian sat 40th after her opening run and returned to the start gate determined to make the most of her second opportunity on the Tofane.
Article courtesy olympics.com.au
She delivered again in run two, improving six positions to close out her first Olympic race inside the top 35.
The 20-year-old carried no expectations into the giant slalom, instead using the event to gain valuable experience on the hill inside an iconic venue that erupted when Federica Brignone claimed victory for Italy.
“I had zero expectations for the GS,” said Heaydon. “I was more just doing it because I qualified for it and I was able to, and it was experience for the slalom where my main focus is.”
Racing among the sport’s biggest names in front of a vocal crowd did little to rattle the Olympic debutant, who has gained valuable exposure competing in her first World Cup events earlier this season.
“It was super cool just being around the top girls again… super nice,” she said. “I’m lucky that I’ve had a bit of experience around them in the World Cups this year.
“[I was] definitely less nervous than I anticipated, but it was amazing with all the people and just seeing my parents at the bottom was super special.”
Beyond the result, the giant slalom provided important preparation for Wednesday’s Women’s Slalom, where she will line up alongside fellow Olympic debutant Madi Hoffman.
“I didn’t think I would do anything at all in the GS, so to even be that close to top 30 in the GS is pretty good,” she said. “So now I think I’m capable of a lot for the slalom.
“I got to test out the snow, just figure out the nerves — basically [the] main two things.
“I saw where the slalom hill is, so that’s another thing.
“Now I know my setup for the slalom and I’ve got some confidence.”
Phoebe Heaydon and Madi Hoffman will contest the Women’s Slalom on Wednesday 18 February.
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