Monday was a “bittersweet” day for Cormac Comerford at the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The Dubliner finished 31st overall in the slalom but knew were it not for a costly mistake, he could have placed even higher.
96 skiers started the event but in tough conditions, only 39 completed it. Comerford finished with a combined time of 2:10.24 over the two runs. On the first run, he missed a gate but managed to make his way back up and pass it. The moment cost him on the clock but the recovery ensured he did post a time – 1:07.87. His second run was five-and-a-half seconds quicker.
The slalom was fourth event Comerford, who hails from Glenageary, has competed in at his debut Games. He also performed creditably in the downhill, super-G, and giant slalom.
“I’ve got a huge mix of emotions right now,” said the 29-year-old.
“Super proud, disappointed, very frustrated with the result today. I know I had it in me for even a top 25 looking at the splits from the first run – it was a really good performance, just the mistake in the first run was too costly.
“I’m really frustrated with the result now but there are a huge amount of positives to take away from this week, 10 days. It’s massive to compete in four disciplines, I’m super proud of that achievement. To top it off with a top 30 would have been the cherry on the cake. But, this is slalom. It’s brutal. It’s the most competitive discipline.
“Physically I feel all right. I knew it was going to be tough doing all four events… I’m really happy, surprised, how the body’s held up. I felt pretty good today. I think the biggest challenge was mental fatigue.
“It’s really mentally challenging. But, yeah, I’m proud of the approach.”
That recovery came down to experience.
“Yeah, it was lucky – it was just a bit of quick thinking to go around the other side of the gate,” he said.
“It’s not my first rodeo doing that unfortunately. Back at the world championships in 2023 I did something similar and I still managed to qualify for the second run and get a result.
“Looking at the splits, the other sections were super fast, it’s just a shame about that.”
Though there have been frustrations for Comerford at the Games, it has also been a positive experience.
“We have to celebrate,” he said.
“I’ve got my friends and family here. For some of them it’s the first time they’ve seen me race ever.
“From New York to Sydney, there’s people all over the world tuning in and supporting and sending messages. It’s been unbelievable and I’m so grateful… regardless of results or anything else. So, go raibh míle maith agaibh.”
The next Irish competitor in action at the Winter Olympics will be Anabelle Zurbay in the slalom on February 18.
