Sochi 2014 - ABC Northern Tasmania Update

Despite several setbacks, the Australian team has continued in their quest for personal bests and medals at the Sochi Paralympic Games.

Wrap up of the latest events

5 Australian have been competing in the Alpine Skiing events in the last couple of days:
- Melissa Perrin (with guide Andrew Bor)
- Jess Gallagher (with guide Christian Geiger)
- Victoria Pedergast 

Melissa Perrin - Super Combined (DQ) and Slalom (DNF)

Mel's horror run at the Sochi Games has continued with a disqualification in the slalom component of the Super Combined event and a DNF (did not finish) in the individual Slalom event.

In the Super Combined event, a make shift visor was attached to Mel's racing helmet - breaching the Paralympic rules that state competitors aren't allowed to race with anything attached to their helmet or goggles. After finishing the slalom is second position Mel was disqualified by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).  In the individual Slalom event later in the day, Mel hit a rough patch of snow unexpectedly just after starting the run, tumbled and lost a ski in the process. This put her out of the event.

Mel has one more event on the program and I'm sure all Australian's will be wishing her a the very best for a break in the bad run she has been experiencing.

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Jess Gallagher: Slalom - 7th

Jess Gallagher had her first appearance for the 2014 Games in what is her second Paralympic Games.

Jess, a visually impaired athlete, was the winner of the bronze medal in this event at the Vancouver Games came into Sochi ranked number 1.  Despite feeling unwell, Jess posted a time that put her into fourth position after the first of her two runs.  On the second run, Jess momentarily lost sight of her guide and missed the 6th last gate.  She was able to edge her way back up and ski through the gate allowing her to finish the event finishing in 7th position overall.

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Victoria Pendergast: Slalom Sit Ski - 7th (provisional)

This sit ski slalom event was Tori's first Winter Paralympic Games appearance and it's also the first time Australia has been represented in the women's sit ski event.  Tori successfully completed the two runs of the slalom, navigating the 54 gates with ease finishing with a provisional 7th placing.  This is an athlete to keep an eye on for the next games!  

What's coming up tonight:

Two of the Aussie men will be competing tonight in the 'Super G' (the second and final component of the 'Super Combined' event). The event has had to be staged over two days due to the unfavourable weather for the 'Super G' event.  The slalom component has been completed with Toby Kane currently in 5th position with Mitchell Gourley in 6th - going to be a bit of friendly competition between the Aussie team mates!

Tonight is also the semi finals for the Ice Sledge Hockey.  I am really looking forward to checking out the games tonight on ABC Grandstand live streaming.

Game 1: Russia v Norway
Game 2: USA v Canada
 
The winners from each match progressing to the Gold Medal match on the weekend.

Later in the week

The Australian Para Snowboarders Ben Tudhope, Joany Badenhorst and Trent Milton will be taking to the snow.   We'll also see Mel and Jess competing in their final event- the giant slalom on Sunday.