site.btaBulgaria’s Zurbriggen Disappointed after Failing to Finish Olympic Giant Slalom Debut

Bulgaria’s alpine skier Anina Zurbriggen expressed disappointment after failing to complete her Olympic debut in the women’s giant slalom at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

The 22-year-old, whose mother is Bulgarian but who was born and raised in Switzerland, missed a gate in the lower section of the Olimpia delle Tofane course during her first run, resulting in elimination.

“I was very nervous, but that’s not unusual for me. In a way, it was a good sign that I was ready, with all the emotions and strength inside me to push on the course. When I started, I felt a huge excitement. Unfortunately, I made a few mistakes, tried to ignore them and ski as fast as possible, but on one of the waves on the slope I went too fast and missed the next gate. I’m disappointed. It wasn’t what I hoped for. I wanted to cross the finish line for Bulgaria. I hope to do so on Wednesday in the slalom with a good result,” Zurbriggen said.

She added that she had expected a better result in giant slalom, where she feels stronger.

“I felt more prepared for giant slalom compared to slalom, even though the disciplines are similar. Giant slalom comes more naturally to me. I have a better sense of speed and when to start turning. Slalom is just turn after turn. Now I will focus on training for the upcoming race and hope to be fully ready,” she said.

Zurbriggen is Bulgaria’s only representative in women’s alpine skiing at the Games and is scheduled to compete in the slalom on February 18.