Olympics-We like medals however take care of our losers, says Australia chief

By Mitch Phillips

ZHANGJIAKOU, China (Reuters) – 4 medals, together with a gold, symbolize Australia’s greatest Winter Olympic haul by way of numbers, however how they appear after people who fail to succeed in the rostrum is the hallmark of success for group chief Geoff Lipshut.

The nation gained two golds in 2002 and 2010 however have by no means had greater than three medals in all – having needed to wait 58 years earlier than claiming their first medal, a bronze in 1994.

In Beijing, Jakara Anthony gained gold in freestyle snowboarding moguls, whereas Scotty James, in snowboard halfpipe, and Jaclyn Narracott in skeleton claimed silvers, and Tess Coady a bronze in slopestyle snowboard.

“I stated in the beginning of the marketing campaign that 4 medals could be unbelievable and so they have been unbelievable,” Chef de Mission Lipshut informed a information convention on Saturday.

“However as a lot as we have a good time the medals and the non-public bests, we additionally really feel the frustration of those that got here right here and fell wanting what they wish to obtain.”

Lipshut talked about world champion Laura Peel, fifth within the aerials, Belle Brockhoff, fourth within the snowboard cross remaining and Bree Walker fifth within the monobob as “people who obtained away”.

Australia’s skilled sporting tradition, headlined by its cricket and rugby groups, has historically been centered way more on success than participation however Lipshut stated that athletes have been “individuals first and sportspeople second”.

When requested concerning the therapy of 15-year-old Russian determine skater Kamila Valieva by her coach after her traumatic sequence of falls, Lipshut stated: “The best way that we’ve consoled our athletes who haven’t met their efficiency expectations is a really totally different expertise to that of the younger determine skater.

“When a teen, particularly an underage particular person, hasn’t met their very own expectations, anyone concerned in sport actually must take care of these individuals.”

Australia despatched 43 athletes to Beijing and has concentrated its funding on sports activities the place it may be typically aggressive, which Lipshut stated gave the group “extra real medal prospects” than in earlier Video games.

“We’ve got achieved a file seven prime 5 outcomes and a file 9 prime six outcomes,” he stated.

“I’ve additionally acquired many constructive feedback and there was loads of pleasure at these Video games. It’s been an ideal expertise and nonetheless enjoyable and I hope their efforts will encourage a brand new technology of athletes to take up winter sports activities.”

(Reporting by Mitch Phillips; Enhancing by Jacqueline Wong)