Louis entered the slalom buoyed by equalling Australia's best ever giant slalom result on Sunday, which was set by Zali Steggall in 1992.

However, within seconds of starting his slalom run it was a heartbreaking shock to see Louis straddle the third gate.

At that moment the run was over for Louis, which for results purposes classifies as a did not finish (DNF). There are two runs held for athletes in the men’s slalom, but athletes only proceed to the second run if they successfully complete the first run.

Surface conditions wreaked havoc for all competitors which Louis reflected on, particularly the speed variations that come from soft snow on top of hard packed snow, as 34 of the 88 skiers failed to finish.

“There was a pretty tough set to begin with,” Louis said.

“Then when you add in the difficulty of the really slick surfaces in spots, and then it kind of has that bit of hard grip to it when there’s such cold snow on the top.

“So it for sure makes it trickier and more unforgiving, but it’s just one of those things you always try to adapt with.”

It’s one of many lessons he wants to act on from the Olympics to make himself a better athlete.

“It’s a huge learning curve, just in terms of obviously the competition but also how to adapt and deal with it. You’re just trying to improve every day, gain as much knowledge and experience of the courses, and of the environment on the circuit.”

Louis had a better go at handling the course on Sunday in the men’s giant slalom, when he finished 23rd in a field of 89 competitors.

“There’s plenty more I want to achieve.

“Hopefully this is an eye opener for what ski racing is really like. It’s cruel, but it’s beautiful so hopefully everyone enjoyed it. I wish I could have put on more of a show today.”

Jeff Dickinson-Fox

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