Sabrina Wanjiku became the second Kenyan to compete at the Winter Olympics after Wilson Boit and today, it was her day taking on the world in women’s giant Slalom.
As the only Kenyan representative at the Pyeongchang, in South Korea, Wanjiku finished 59th improving from 67.
The Kenyan who trains in Norway, skied her way to clock 1:23.27 in a competition that was postponed from Monday to today due to strong headwinds that made it impossible for the event to progress.
In such position, it did not hinder her happiness as she was pleased by her result as she awaits her next event which is the Ladies Super Giant Slalom on Saturday.
“I am happy with my start although it was tough under these conditions. I have gained more experience and confidence and God willing, will do even better in two days time”, expressed Sabrina after the race.
Her sentiments were echoed by her coach, Christian and Chef de Mission, Philip Boit.
“She has a huge potential and future. She was right there with the best, separated by just over 10 seconds by the winner,” Boit remarked.
National Olympic Committee of Kenya boss Paul Tergat who is accompanying the team in South Korea was also pleased with the performance.
“This is absolutely commendable performance for a debutant at the major Olympics event in a sport of this nature. I am very proud of her performance and impressed with her spirits,” Tergat, who was accompanied by Kenya’s Ambassador to Korea Mohamed Gello said.
Sabrina, who started number 67 which is based on ranking by start of Olympics, was number 59 at first round, during which 6 athletes fell.
In her second round, she fell at the turn of one of the “bridges” ending up with some bruises.
During the competition, Manuela Moelgg of Italy won in a time of 1:10.62 with second position taken by American Mikaela Shiffrin, 1:10.82 and the best placed local Korean at position 48 (1:19.13).
Additional information Capital.co.ke