Where to Ski And Snowboard - Olympic roundup

Olympic roundup

24th February 2010, by Chris Gill

Carlo Janka takes giant slalom gold

Day 12 of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games produced more thrills and spills for the athletes. There was delight for the Swiss in the men’s giant slalom, but medal hopes for Team GB faded in the curling events. And a disappointed Sarah Sauvey failed to qualify in the women’s ski cross. In bobsleigh though, the GB women’s duo lie in tenth position at the half way stage – hoping to move up in the last two rounds.

Giant slalom delight for Janka

Carlo Janka of Switzerland triumphed in the men’s giant slalom race in Whistler on Tuesday, taking gold with two excellent runs and a 0.39 advantage ahead of Norwegian Kjetll Jansrud (silver). Aksel Lund Svindal also of Norway took the bronze – making him a triple medallist at the games.

The ‘Ice Man’ Janka maintained his lead in the second run, a clean performance down the bumpy course that had seen off several medal hopefuls – including Bode Miller. Jansrud had moved up from eleventh position, to hold the lead for some time before Janka’s winning performance.

Svindal was just a fraction off the pace, but had to settle for third – like Bode Miller, he now holds a medal of each colour. Miller though failed to finish the giant slalom course and did not proceed to round two.

Three Britons took part in the giant slalom and completed the event. Andrew Nobel finished in 38th place, Ed Drake 43rd and David Ryding 49th.

The women’s giant slalom takes place tonight, Wednesday

Women curlers bow out; fingers crossed in the men’s game

The GB women’s curling team suffered a disappointing defeat on Tuesday to put them out of the Olympics. It was a close match against Canada, which went to a tie break round, but eventually ended in defeat 5-6. Their slim chance of reaching the next round also faded with news that Switzerland had beaten Germany.

The men’s team has another chance following their defeat against Norway, with a play off against Sweden tonight. They needed to beat Norway to reach the final four, but lost that game 9-5. They now face Sweden to decide which team goes through to the other semi final – against Canada.