GANGNEUNG, 25 Feb 2018:
Four Australian Winter Olympians swapped their skis for surfboards yesterday in Gangneung, South Korea.
The sea-water temperature was a bracing four degrees Celsius – but that did not deter Danielle Scott, Harry Laidlaw, Rohan Chapman-Davies and James Matheson from chasing the waves.
The athletes wore full-body wet suits as they went out to the waters near the coastal town of Gangneung where some Olympic venues are located.
“It’s no bikini weather here, but the waves we had out there were pretty sweet,” said Scott, who is used to surfing in waters that are above 15 degrees Celsius.
Asked cheekily if this was part of their preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he replied: “Yes I might thaw out by that time we get there.”
The event was organised by the Australian Olympic Committee as the athletes have finished their competition events.
A total of 51 athletes are representating Australia at the Winter Games, winning a total of two silvers and one bronze so far.
– Reuters