Alpine skier Elise Pellegrin was Malta’s only athlete at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, Korea, her second Winter Games after Sochi 2014. She carried the Maltese flag at the Opening Ceremony on 9th February.
After a disappointing Giant Slalom, Pellegrin produced a determined performance in the Women’s Slalom at the Yongpyong Alpine Centre. Despite tough, windy and icy conditions she was 56th after the first run, then skied more confidently in the afternoon to move up six places and finish 50th of 74 athletes. Sweden’s Frida Hansdotter won gold.
To qualify, Pellegrin competed in FIS races in Argentina, Italy, France and the United States. Snowboarder Jenise Spiteri narrowly missed out on a second place for Malta, finishing 25th in qualification when only the top 24 went through.
“I am very proud and honoured to represent Malta for the second time in the Winter Olympic Games,” said Pellegrin before the Games. “My Maltese grandmother instilled in me a love for Malta, and I will do my best to make Malta, and those who put their faith in me, proud.”
Pellegrin was accompanied by her coach Marvin Hocquaux, and Dr Lucienne Attard was Chef de Mission.
