Marta Bassino excited to make Olympic debut at 2018 Winter Games in PyeongChang
Thursday 8 February 2018 09:10, UK
Alpine skier Marta Bassino has opened up on the joy and shredded nerves of qualifying for a first Winter Olympics, as well as her lofty ambitions in South Korea in February.
The 21-year-old Sky Sports Scholar had to overcome nerves and the testing slopes in Italy and Switzerland last week to secure her spot on the Italian team.
It means a debut Games for Bassino, unveiled as one of 12 Scholars from around Europe three months ago, and is an amazing turnaround having stuttered at times during the current World Cup campaign.
"Taking part in my first Olympic games is like a dream and I can't wait to be there and do my best," Bassino said.
"It's as if I've taken a burden from my heart. It was the main goal of the season and my unhappy beginning had given me so many doubts.
"I am happy to have found myself, my skiing and to have earned this qualification despite losing many of my finger nails!"
Bassino, also known as the Snow Princess, will compete in the Giant Slalom on February 12 and the Super Combined on February 23 in PyeongChang.
Qualifying was an incredible achievement with a fourth spot at the World Cup Giant Slalom in Kronplatz and her best ever result - second at the World Cup Super Combined in Lenzerheide.
"I was very nervous in those races because I knew they would be decisive for my Olympic qualification," she added.
"At the same time though I felt confident and aware of my possibilities again so it was just great to get those two fantastic results."
Having first skied aged two with the help of ski instructor dad, her career continues to blossom. She made her World Cup debut in 2014 at the age of 18, before her first World Cup podium in Giant Slalom at Sölden two years ago.
The Winter Olympics start on February 9 - three days before Bassino's first event - and she cannot wait to appear on the grandest of sporting stages for the first time in her national blue colours as part of the 89-strong Italian team.
Bassino said: "My feelings are a mixture of emotion, nerves, determination and concentration.
"I feel as though I can do well alongside the best and get on that podium. I will start dreaming with my eyes open when I finally get to the starting gate, hoping that everything I have in my heart can be realised."
