ROSA KHUTOR, Russia, March 15 (R-Sport) – Skiing prodigy Mac Marcoux, 16, won Sochi Paralympics gold for Canada, beating much older opponents in the giant slalom competition on Saturday.
In the visually impaired class, the 16-year-old Marcoux and his guide Robin Femy managed to keep his advantage he gained in the first run, beating second-placed Jakub Krako, 23, of Slovakia by 2.04 seconds.
"I can't even think right now, I'm so excited. It has been an amazing experience," said Marcoux. "This is a dream come true. It is so surreal, I was nervous at the top. I tried to relax and forget about everything, listen to music, because when you think too much it can mess with your head."
For Marcoux it was third medal in Sochi, following his bronze finishes in the downhill and super G events. Krako earlier claimed the super G title. The Canadian has only been skiing with his guide Femy for two weeks after his brother and usual guide Billy Joe injured himself.
"At first, I try to enjoy skiing when I'm on the track. I guess my results here in Sochi could be better, but anyway I have two medals, silver and gold," said Krako.
Slalom champion Valeri Redkozubov, 41, was fourth after the first run but in the second attempt managed to outrace Spain's Yon Santacana Maiztegui, 33, finishing 3.95 seconds behind the winner.
"I'm very pleased. It was just a tactics mistake in the first run, but we still managed to get into the prizes," redkozubov told R-Sport. "There are no regrets. I have two golds and a bronze, I'm 100 per cent pleased and even more."
The race used the system of so-called “calculated time,” in which each athlete’s time is modified by a percentage reflecting the extent of their disability.
Later in the day, giant slalom events will be held for the men's standing and sitting categories.
Updates with quotes.
