YANQING – Clement Noel claimed France’s first alpine skiing gold medal of the Beijing Olympics when he won the men’s slalom on Wednesday.
Austria’s Johannes Strolz, already a gold medallist in the alpine combined at these Games, took silver 0.61sec behind, while Norwegian Sebastian Foss-Solevaag claimed bronze at 0.70sec.
Strolz had been fastest in the first run, but he faded in his second leg, leaving Noel roaring with delight as the Austrian came through the finish line and it was clear the Frenchman had taken the gold.
“That was one of the most important races in my career. It’s not often that you are able to win a medal in the Olympic Games,” said 24-year-old Noel.
“It’s one shot — one minute and 40 seconds every four years.
“I knew that I was in shape. My races in January were not good but training here was really good, I was fast.
“This is the best I can do. I have no words to describe it. Olympic champion … wooh!”
Noel’s gold completed a full house for the French men’s ski team after veteran Johan Clarey bagged downhill silver and Mathieu Faivre took a bronze medal in the giant slalom.
The most technical race on the alpine ski programme had promised to be one of the most open contests in recent history and so it proved.
Of the six World Cup races held this season, there have been five different winners, including Noel, while 14 different racers have made the podium.
Switzerland’s Daniel Yule, 13th fastest in the first leg, set the pace before Noel took the lead with just five racers remaining.
Germany’s Linus Strasser and Switzerland’s Loic Meillard failed to bother Noel, leaving the top trio from the first run to chance their arm.
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