South African Teen Wraps Up Winter Youth Olympics in Norway
South Africa’s sole Winter Youth Olympics entrant, Elizabeth Olivier, wrapped up her Olympic campaign in Lillehammer, Norway today, Thursday. After ending 36th in the giant slalom on Tuesday, the Eastern Cape teenager competed in the women’s slalom this morning, and was due to do her second and final run this afternoon. We don’t yet have the results but we […]
South Africa’s sole Winter Youth Olympics entrant, Elizabeth Olivier, wrapped up her Olympic campaign in Lillehammer, Norway today, Thursday. After ending 36th in the giant slalom on Tuesday, the Eastern Cape teenager competed in the women’s slalom this morning, and was due to do her second and final run this afternoon.
We don’t yet have the results but we do know the slalom is the Sentraal Hoërskool (Bloemfontein) pupil’s favourite, and she would have no doubt been hoping to improve on her giant slalom showing.
Team SA coach (and former Winter Olympian) Alex Heath told Road to Rio 2016 from Lillehammer: “Today we had a really good slalom training session even though Elizabeth is tired. It’s been non-stop since we arrived here, but she’ll give it her all.”
Being part of such a global event has exposed Olivier to so much more skills and experience, something she’ll be able to build on when she gets back to South Africa next week.
He said she’s been lucky enough to chat to 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics Downhill gold medallist, Dominique Gisin of Switzerland, who has offered plenty of advice and support which has been incredible for the teen!
“Elizabeth starts with bib No45 and let’s hope it’s a good one,” said Heath. A total of 56 competitors were due to line up for Thursday’s first run.
Olivier has made South Africa incredibly proud, flying the flag on her own for South Africa.
Her proud father, Johan said from Norway: “The [openeing] ceremony was wonderful. It was very cold and many people attended. It was spectacular, full of energy with a few surprises.
“The best part is that Elizabeth was part of it. Not only waving the flag but taking part by saying something. This is great for SA and great for South African sportsmen and women!”
Olivier was one of only five athletes from around the world who were called upon by President Bach to describe what the Youth Olympic Games meant to them. They were also invited to share their feelings with the world, using the hashtag #iLoveYOG.
The vision of the Youth Olympic Games is to inspire young people around the world to participate in sport and live by the Olympic values.
Source: www.sascoc.co.za (republished with Mark Etheridge’s kind permission)