TODAY: Skeleton athlete Darta Zunte makes Estonian sports history
Darta Zunte, the first skeleton athlete from Estonia, is competing for the first time at the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina today.
Darta Zunte is making history as the first skeleton athlete to represent Estonia at the Winter Olympics, with her events starting today in Milan Cortina. After arriving at the Olympic Village on February 1, she has spent the past twelve days preparing for her competition, noting that she has had the opportunity to train extensively on the Cortina track. Zunte has expressed her respect for the challenging nature of the course, acknowledging that while it is not dangerous, it requires intense focus and skill to achieve a fast time.
In the lead-up to the competition, Zunte participated in official training sessions held from Monday to Wednesday, where she posted stable times in the low 59-second range, consistently ranking around 20th place. She has set no specific placement goals for herself, instead focusing on delivering her best performance in each run and staying mentally prepared. Zunte emphasizes the importance of relaxation and mental readiness, as she approaches each curve with determination and the aspiration to perform her best.
This moment marks a significant milestone in Estonian sports, showcasing Zunte's dedication and talent as she competes on an international stage, paving the way for future athletes in the sport of skeleton. As the first of her kind, her journey will be closely watched by fans and aspiring athletes alike, and her performances may inspire greater interest and participation in skeleton in Estonia.