Sochi: Barwood 44th in giant slalom

Adam Barwood. Photo /Getty Images

New Zealand alpine skier Adam Barwood has finished in 44th place in the giant slalom at the Sochi Winter Olympics overnight.

The 21-year-old, who is currently New Zealand's National Champion in both Slalom and Giant Slalom, sat in 49th position following an opening run of 1:28:51, 7.43 seconds behind eventual gold medal winner Ted Ligety of the United States.

Barwood continued to demonstrate good form on his second run finishing strongly in a time of 1:28.89 and giving him a combined time of 2:57.40.

"I was going to be really happy if I moved up (in the rankings) and skied as well as I could," said the first-time Olympian.

Barwood's coach Chris Mosaed was also pleased with the day's outcome.

"Finishing in the top fifty percent of the starting field was a general goal for us. But also for
Adam to get some good experience out of this, to improve every run and I think he showed that in his second run, that he's starting to step it up."

Barwood will now turn his attention to his preferred discipline of slalom with his race which takes place on Saturday.