Indian skier Arif Khan wanted to complete both runs of Sunday's men's giantslalom at Olympics. He succeeded.
Khan was nearly 38 seconds slower than gold medalist Marco Odermatt, which is a long time in the fast world of ski racing. The race was held in heavy snow and poor visibility to make it more difficult.
Khan stated that it was difficult today because of the snow and the weather. "You couldn't see what was right next to the gates. Sometimes, the guys who descend earlier make those icy roads.
"If you don't keep up with your speed, and you (take) other chances, then you will hit a rut. You go out, as we have seen today. My goal was to finish the race, and that I did.
Only one skier of 46 who completed both runs was slower than Khan: Benjamin Alexander, 38, who is a Jamaican racer and skied only six years ago.
Eight skiers failed to complete the second run, while 33 completed the first. This was because snow fell for the very first time in an Alpine skiing race at the Olympics.
Khan stated that being less aggressive was the best strategy. You can race fast and win in a race, but it's more about slowing down.
"I usually ski better than I did today, but today was about representing the country and finishing the race.
Khan will also compete Wednesday in the slalom. He is India's only Olympian at the Beijing Games, and the first Indian athlete to qualify for two events at the Winter Olympics.
"In India, we have a population that is 1.4 billion people. I am representative of that number. Khan stated that it means a lot to him.
Khan, 31, grew up in Gulmarg (Kashmir), where his father runs a ski shop and tour company.
Khan stated that his primary goal in Beijing was to promote Beijing as a destination for winter sports vacations.
He stated, "This will inspire and promote India as a ski destination for the rest world." "That was my primary motivation for being here at the Olympics, (to] introduce my country as an skiing destination.
"We have mountains high, enormous mountains with gondolas, chairlifts... I want to promote Alpine racing there."
