Amazing alpine skiing success on Day 3 of competition
The Team Ireland alpine skiers followed their medal-rich showing in the Giant Slalom events yesterday with a fantastic experience in the Super G event in their various divisions.
Caolan McConville again struck gold – medalling at first place in the Advanced Super G category, in only the second time he has ever competed in the event.
Caolan was ecstatic, saying: “it’s absolutely amazing. I’ve only done the Super G once before, and that was in the European Games – so no practice before, but I came out with gold. I’m absolutely delighted.”
Caolan's mother talked about how he first got into skiing: "As a family, we don't ski - I can hardly walk on ice! We just happened to be talking to Lucy Best's mum Jo, and she said 'have you ever tried him over there', so we brought Caolan over and that was just the start of his journey when he was nine years of age. When he was just turning thirteen, he was representing Ireland in the World Winter Games in Austria. So, it's been a big rollercoaster ride, he's just made us so proud."
Team Ireland Assistant Skiing Coach Glyn Williamson said: “it’s amazing; Caolan’s done such a good job it’s unbelievable, words can’t describe it. It’s an amazing day for Ireland!”
The Novice Super G divisions were a treasure trove for Team Ireland, with Lucy Best winning gold, Clive Healy winning silver, and Máire Connolly winning bronze.
Lucy Best said: "I feel amazing, I'm so glad I got another gold medal, I'm just really pleased. To any young athletes out there starting out, I'd say go for it, work hard, and you could get a gold medal like me - you can do it, definitely! I did it for my friends, but more importantly I did it for all my supporters, and my dad - I'm making him proud!"
Lucy's mother Jo Best said: "I can't believe it, Lucy winning gold for a second time - it was amazing enough the first time! It just makes it so worthwhile, all the hard work that Lucy's been putting in. We're looking forward to celebrating when we get home with all her friends, and her dad who's had to stay at home to keep the farm going - but he's watching us!"
Máire Connolly's mother Bernadette Connolly said: "Two medals in two days in two races is a fantastic result - we are over the moon about it! Máire has been skiing for about nine or ten years, and in the last year or two she has really improved a lot. Preparing for the Winter Games has improved her skiing as well - she's a good, controlled, capable skier! We're delighted she got her medal again today, it's fantastic."
Speaking about the medal success of Team Ireland skiers so far, Team Ireland Assistant Skiing Coach Glyn Williamson said: "It's amazing! Considering that we come from a place that has no snow - we train on plastic 'snow' and plastic slopes - and so far we have nine medals over two days, it's unreal! The guys have worked really hard, it took a lot of training and they've been up against the best here, and got medals out of it."
In the Intermediate Super G event, Donal Brennan had a very strong performance, surging down the Super G course with speed and skill to cruise into 6th place.
Super G event: Novice –
- Máire Connolly – 37.81 – 39.65 - BRONZE
- Lucy Best – 55.66 – 41.39 - GOLD
- Clive Healy – 42.82 – 33.07 - SILVER
Super G event: Intermediate –
- Donal Brennan – 43.82 – 44.56 - 6th PLACE
Super G event: Advanced –
- Caolan McConville – 33.10 - GOLD
