Ski cross athlete Campbell Appel got the New Zealand Team off to a roaring start on day four of competition at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea.
The Wanaka athlete came out firing in the men’s individual event, placing first in his opening race, before following it up with two second placings.
Unfortunately, Appel narrowly missed out on semi-final qualification after placing fourth and third respectively in his next two races.
“It went well, I skied pretty good overall,” said Appel.
“I started really strong and just struggled a little in those last few. It was awesome to be here though and see the level everyone’s at and be right up there with them.”
Meanwhile alpine athletes Ruby Fullerton and Charlotte Wiggins were also in action, contesting the Giant Slalom at Jeongseong Alpine Resort.
Wiggins started strong but got jammed up coming out of the delay to record a DNF for run one.
Fullerton was 27th after the first run, before improving her time in the second set to end up 23rd in stacked field.
Biathlete Baxter Pollard was also back competing, contesting the men’s 7.5K sprint distance. Pollard shot well and put in a gutsy effort to finish 95th.
New Zealand’s curlers rounded out the day, going down 5-2 in a close match against Norway.
Tomorrow (January 23rd) will see the women’s freeski and snowboard athletes begin their campaign in the slopestyle competition.
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