Ljutić: In the lower part of the course, I lacked a sense of speed
Croatian skier Zrinka Ljutić expressed dissatisfaction with her performance in the first run of the giant slalom at the Winter Olympics, highlighting issues with speed perception in the lower section of the course.
Zrinka Ljutić, Croatia's top skier, was not pleased with her first run in the giant slalom at the Winter Olympics, where she finished 23rd, 2.11 seconds behind the leader, Federica Brignone. Ljutić acknowledged that while she performed well in the first two sectors, she struggled with the feeling of speed in the lower section, noting that her unfamiliarity with the Super-G format contributed to this challenge. She recognized the need for more training in this area to improve her performance.
Despite her disappointing ranking, Ljutić praised the excellent conditions of the course, describing it as interesting and enjoyable to ski on, with great snow. She also mentioned that a change in her service team before the competition had a positive effect on her skiing experience, allowing her more freedom to maneuver on the course. However, she emphasized the importance of gaining confidence to ski more aggressively through challenging sections where the gates are difficult to see due to the waves on the course.
Looking ahead to her second run, Ljutić seems determined to improve her performance, indicating a bold and fearless approach. Her reflections on the first run not only highlight her personal ambitions but also point to valuable lessons about preparedness and adapting to different skiing styles, which will be crucial as she continues to compete on an international stage.