Winter Olympics: Ski duo optimistic after topping their rankings

New Zealand's two women's ski slalom representatives, Nicola Campbell and Erika McLeod, performed above their rankings in Italy yesterday.

Campbell was ranked 49th among the 63 starters but finished 35th, and McLeod, ranked 53rd, finished 40th. Campbell, 20, set the pace for the New Zealanders with a sizzling first run of 45.90s.

In much more difficult conditions for her second run three hours later, when everyone's times were appreciably slower, she recorded 50.92s. Her overall time was 1m 36.82s, which put her 7.78s behind the winner, Anja Paerson of Sweden.

"I was hoping to get into the top 30," said Campbell. "But even so, I have to be pleased with how I went. I skied well and I really enjoyed it."

Considering the Dunedin skier is a relative novice on the world circuit, with minimal Europa Cup, let alone World Cup, experience, her Olympic performance was a good one.

McLeod, 24, showed grit in battling back from injury last year to make the Olympic team. Her first run was timed at 47.96s, which left her 44th.

But she had a fine second run of 52.61s to climb four places into 40th with an overall time of 1m 40.57s.

"It was a bit hairy at the start, but I settled down," she said.

Both skiers compete in the giant slalom this weekend.

- NZPA