Steyn shares Winter Olympics experience LONE RANGER . . . Zimbabwean athlete Luke Steyn (left) proudly flies his national flag at the last Winter Olympic Games in the Russian city of Sochi

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
WITH the 2018 Winter Olympic Games underway in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Zimbabwe’s representative at the 2014 edition in Sochi, Russia, Luke Steyn took some time to reflect on his experience when he made his maiden appearance at the global show-piece.

Steyn wrote his own piece of history when he became the first ever athlete from this country to compete at the Winter Olympic Games.

It was also a historical participation for Zimbabwe when the skier qualified for the Games. He competed in slalom and giant slalom.

After Zimbabwe’s debut appearance in Sochi, hopes were that the country will return to the event this year but unfortunately they are not among the participants at the ongoing global show-piece in Pyeongchang.
“It is hard to describe. Years of hard work come to fruition on the world stage in front of millions of people, while having the privilege of doing your fellow countrymen proud.
‘’Because of the lack of winter sports history in Zimbabwe, going into Sochi I didn’t think that I was going to get much of a following.

“But the support that I received from everyone back in Zimbabwe made it feel like I had the whole country behind me, which magnified an intense feeling of pride.
‘’There’s a lot to be said for the love, support and respect that Zimbabweans have for each other,” said Steyn.
Steyn was born on June 7, 1993, in Harare but left the country at the age of two for Switzerland where he was eventually exposed to snow and skiing.

At the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Steyn participated in the men’s giant slalom in alpine skiing.
He reached the finishing line in 1 minute 32.20 seconds during his first run and 1 minute 34.35 seconds during his second run, crossing the finishing line 21.26 seconds after the US gold medallist Ted Ligety.
Steyn finished in 57th place out of 72 athletes.

Steyn, who is now based in the UK, said while qualifying itself was a challenge, the hardest part was trying to administer and organise everything to ensure a successful participation at the Games, since it was just him and his coach to do all the work.
“I finished my undergraduate degree in December 2016 before taking some time off to travel around Southern Africa with a friend.

“I then decided to enroll in a Masters programme in Real Estate Finance at the University of Cambridge which I have been doing since October.
‘’Come September, I will be living in London and working for CBRE. They are a global Real Estate advisory firm. I am extremely excited to start work for them as they are a great company.

“I have been trying to watch as much of the Winter Games as possible, which has given me mixed emotions. First and foremost, it gives me a huge sense of pride. Sitting at the other side of the table and watching it on TV.
“Having competed in the previous Games it really puts it in perspective and makes you realise how much you really achieved.
‘’At the time you think I could have gone faster, or I wish I didn’t make that mistake. But none of that really matters anymore, I have nothing to prove and I feel that I went there and did my best.

“I would love nothing more than to return to the sport, but at this stage it is highly unlikely. But you never say never!” Steyn said.
On Zimbabwe’s future at the Games, Steyn said the country’s chances rely more on athletes based in countries where the climate is conducive and have access to winter sport.

“It is tough to predict where winter sport in Zimbabwe is heading and the opportunity for (an) athlete going forward. Usually sports gain momentum at the grassroots, but unfortunately skiing, and most winter sports cannot be practised in Zimbabwe.
“I think in the near future it will rely on individuals, like myself who live in a country where access to winter sports is far more accessible. That being said, a lot of successful bobsled athletes where former sprinters who fell short of qualifying for the Summer Games.

“Zimbabweans should be encouraging athletes to target winter sports where the fundamentals are easily learnt, but also require you to be a good overall athlete, of which there are many in Zimbabwe!
“Rome wasn’t built in one day. I think the most important thing is to concentrate on is getting Zimbabweans interested in winter sports, and encouraging them to watch it,” said Steyn.

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