Gangwon 2024: New Zealand Team, Day One Wrap

Luge athlete Maggie Dowling was the first Kiwi in action at the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

Competing at the Alpensia sliding centre in South Korea, Dowling had a solid first run, reaching 101kph to clock a time of 50.25s.

Her second run was even better, as she flew through the course for a combined time of 1:40.3s.

“It was really good,” said Dowling.

“I was definitely nervous but I’m proud of myself for putting down that time. It was an amazing experience and such a cool opportunity.”

Dowling finished 21st overall.

It was a tough first game for New Zealand’s curling athletes who lost 9-3 to Sweden.

While the result wasn’t what they hoped for, it was a special match for Jack Steele and Ellie McKenzie who made their international debuts.

The team then faced the US in their evening match, going down 8-4.

Biathlete Baxter Pollard was the final athlete in action. Pollard struggled in tricky conditions but took some positives away from the experience.

“It was a hard course and it’s been snowing so it was soft but it was a fun experience overall,” said Pollard.

“It’s cool for me because any competitions I’ve done in the past it’s just been biathlon so it’s nice having the other sports here.”

Pollard will be in action in the sprint distance on Tuesday.