Paerson finally wins gold

ByEurosport

Published 22/02/2006 at 17:33 GMT

Anja Paerson finally won that elusive Olympic gold medal after storming the women's slalom in foggy Sestrières on Wednesday. Despite deteriorating conditions, the Swede held on to a first leg advantage to beat Austrian pair Nicole Hosp and Marlies Schild

ALPINE SKIING 2005-2006 Torino 2006 Slalom Women Anja Paerson

Image credit: Reuters

Silver and bronze medals in Salt Lake City had been matched with a couple of bronzes here at Turin in the combined and downhill events, but still Paerson had yet to experience the magical sensation of wearing gold around her neck.

But after dominating the first run of the slalom - leading Hosp by a full 0.45 seconds - the 25-year-old managed to cut though the mist and maintain her advantage.

ALPINE SKIING 2005-2006 Torino 2006 Slalom Women Anja Paerson

Image credit: Reuters

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"I was almost crying after my injury in the warm-up and now this is really unbelievable," she told reporters after performing her trademark belly-flop across the snow of the finish area.

"I have been through such a hard time and now I have done it. To be Olympic champion was my dream."

Paerson's medal took Sweden's tally at the Games to 10, with four golds, equalling their all-time record.

Youngsters Hosp and Schild took the silver and bronze medals, finishing 0.29 and 0.75 seconds behind the Swede. Astonishingly, the pair's double took Austria's Alpine medal count up to eleven in the Turin Games - three gold, four silver and four bronze.

ALPINE SKIING 2005-2006 Torino 2006 Slalom Women Nicole Hosp Marlies Schild

Image credit: Reuters

Pre-race favourite Janica Kostelic could only manage fourth place, 0.90 seconds adrift of the landmark time. The Croatian, fifth after the first run, was clearly suffering from the lingering illness that has hung over her Olympic campaign.

Despite missing last week's opening downhill event, Kostelic has still won gold and silver medals, and a podium finish on Saturday's closing giant slalom will see the 25-year-old become the most decorated woman Alpine skier in Olympic history.

ALPINE SKIING 2005-2006 Torino 2006 Slalom Women Janica Kostelic

Image credit: Reuters

Her participation, however, is not certain: "I think I am finished with these Games and I think it is better for my body [if I stop]," she told reporters. "I will think about it."