Anabelle Zurbay became Ireland’s 35th Winter Olympian over the weekend, making history as the youngest Alpine skier to represent Team Ireland at the Winter Games. The 17-year-old finished 48th in the Women’s Giant Slalom in a time of 2:31.70, delivering a composed performance on the Olympic stage in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Racing among the sport’s elite, Zurbay clocked 1:12.82 on her opening run before improving on her placing in the second descent with a time of 1:18.88. The event was won by Italy’s Federica Brignone in front of a rapturous home crowd, while Sweden’s Sara Hector and Norway’s Thea Louise St Jernesund shared the silver medal after an exciting contest.

Zurbay, who is focusing exclusively on the technical disciplines of Slalom and Giant Slalom, has spent recent weeks training near Cortina in Dobbiaco, familiarising herself with the terrain and snow conditions ahead of competition.

Relieved to have her Olympic debut behind her, she was particularly pleased with her second run,

“The second run was a lot more turny, which I’m better at. And honestly, though a lot of people said it was more bumpy, it felt less bumpy to me. I was able to actually get on my outside ski, and then on the rollers, I knew I needed a direction off, so then I could just take them. That was definitely a lot better than my first run.

“The course was pretty good most of the time. Definitely bumpy, but that’s to be expected, especially when you’re running later in the pack. There were a lot of rolls, which I’m not quite as used to. I am used to going over one pitch, but not five!”

Ireland’s youngest-ever Olympic Alpine skier also spoke about managing her nerves on debut,

“I was definitely very nervous at the start of both runs. But once you’re in the gate, you’ve got to clear your head and go. Otherwise, it’s not going to work. It definitely gives me more confidence, but it’s still the Olympics.”

Zurbay, whose maternal grandmother is a McCarthy from Rosemount, just outside Westmeath, will return to action on 18 February when she competes in the Women’s Slalom.

Image Credit: Team Ireland and Dave Fitzgerald, Sportsfile

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