site.btaUPDATED Bulgaria’s Alpine Skier Anina Zurbriggen Set for Olympic Debut in Milan Cortina

Alpine skier Anina Zurbriggen, representing Bulgaria at the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, is preparing for her debut with high expectations.

The 22-year-old Swiss-born athlete, whose mother is Bulgarian, will compete Sunday in the Women’s Giant Slalom at the Olimpia delle Tofane course in Cortina d’Ampezzo, and she is also scheduled for the slalom on February 18.

Zurbriggen completed her final training session on the preparatory course in Dobbiaco under the guidance of her Olympic coach, former Bulgarian skier Maria Kirkova, who competed in three Winter Games.

“These are my first Olympic Games, and it is very, very exciting. I feel really good and I can’t wait to be in the start gate and give everything that I have. I’m looking forward to it a lot,” Zurbriggen told Bulgarian media.

“It’s not my first time training here, but it’s nice to come back to a hill that I know to get a good feel for my skis before the race. Today the light isn’t perfect, but that’s a challenge—and in the race, the weather isn’t always ideal either, so you have to learn and adapt,” she added.

“My goal is just to be myself, feel comfortable, and do my best skiing. I want to reach the finish line, be happy with my performance, and hope Bulgaria will be proud of me. I’m proud to represent Bulgaria. I’m very happy!”

Kirkova said Zurbriggen is ready and motivated: “She feels good and excited for her first Olympics. The course is suitable for her, and I hope she can show what she has trained for and deliver a strong performance for Bulgaria.” 

Kirkova added: “Expectations… well, this is the Olympics. All the best athletes are here, so it will be tough. I hope she can show what she has been training for. I know she trains abroad, and I’m here just to support her. From what I’ve seen in training, she performs quite well, and I hope she can transfer that to the competition, because it’s something different. We’re here from Bulgaria to motivate her and help her perform well.”

Reflecting on the Olympic atmosphere, Kirkova said: “We’ve been here for two days and have many tasks, but what we’ve seen is a wonderful environment. It’s the Olympics—everyone is very happy, as are we, and we hope to deliver a worthy performance.”