The first course was set in an interesting way with a flush followed by a hairpin - very cool and exciting.  It is possible to ski such a combination from both sides.  It was interesting to see if everyone had the nerves and knew how to ski through the gates as there were really many gates on that hill ;-)

Wearing bib Nr. 6, I crossed the finish line with 59 hundredths of a second off the winning pace.

In retrospect, my first run was a bit strange. I really did not know if I was skiing fast or not. The snow was a bit ‘smeary’ and little response came back from my skis. I was thus under the impression I was doing better than I actually was.

I was in ninth position going into the second run, which was set in a more turny fashion in the bottom section of the race than the first one.

Lars Elton Myhrer, who started ahead of me, threw down a great run. I started with a lead of 11 hundredths over him but already at the first split I had lost my narrow margin. Taking full risk and skiing at the limit in the last steep section of the course, I crossed the finish line with the second fastest intermittent time, 0.44 behind Myhrer.

At the end of the race, I finished just off the podium in fifth. I am still pretty satisfied with my performance here in Vancouver. A fourth place in giant slalom and fifth in slalom – had it been World Cup races, those would have been great results. ;-)

Ok – the next three Olympic Games can come, I am ready ;-))

Thanks to the whole Team, thanks to my fans – you all would have deserved an Olympic gold medal just for keeping your fingers crossed and supporting me.

Best regards from Whistler

Your Marcel

P.S. Congratulations to Giuliano, Ivo and Andre for taking the medals!