Super-G at Lake Louise

Today while I've been pedaling I've been watching Eurosport, so I don't get bored. They were airing the Super-G (Super Giant Slalom) competition. I don't think I've ever watched one from the beginning to the end but today was the day, and don't regret it.

Matthias Mayer

Skying is not my favorite sport although a long time ago when I was a kid I was dreaming about learning to ski and becoming a good skier but then nothing happened. I tried it out once and find it difficult, so I decided to watch others skiing instead. Much more safer :)

So, today I had the chance to watch a session from the beginning to the end and think about what it means to participate in an event at this level.

First of all, the event took place at Lake Louise in Canada and the weather was appropriate, or not, depending on where you are from. There were -22C, which for them is probably normal, for me it's freezing although it happens to have that kind of temperature here at times, a few times a year. Standing in one place can make you freeze and it can't be pleasant for the skiers either as at that high speed the temperature must be even colder but maybe they don't feel it so much.

Ok, so today the Austrian Matthias Mayer, the Olympic champion had a very good performance and what looked a sure thing for the Italian Dominik Paris, who is actually the reigning World Cup champion, soon became only the second place. They were both good, even excellent.

Matthias Mayer is 29 years old, has two Olympic gold medals, 5 wins and at the World Cup, 21 podiums and a bright career ahead. Dominik Paris is one year older, no Olympic medals, 16 wins and 34 podiums.

Mistakes were made, that is normal but there were no accidents today. At that speed an accident can easily kill you and there were cases in the past unfortunately. I've seen one live and I'm hoping to never see one again, although no one can guarantee you that.

Winter sport events are happening one after another, so there are plenty to watch if you like these kinds of sports. I just hope to find the time to watch some good ones.