Gangwon 2024: Key athletes to watch on day 11 of the Winter Youth Olympic Games
Cross-country skiing continues on day 11, with medals awarded in the 7.5 classic for each gender.
Elsa Taenglander of Sweden must be considered the one to beat in the women’s field following her impressive performance on Monday, where she took gold in the sprint. Silver medalist Kajsa Johansson also from Sweden and bronze medalist Nelli-Lotta Karppelin of Finland will be eager to climb to the top step of the podium. Watch out for Austria’s Heidi Bucherwho won the sprint classic competition at last year’s European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF).
For the men, Federico Pozzi will be the big favorite. The Italian was awarded with his change of tactics in the sprint, claiming gold.
Jakob Moch of Germany, little brother of Olympian Friedrich Mochwill be looking to get the better of his Italian rival after finishing second in the sprint.
Figure skating will have more medals on offer in ice dance and women’s singles.
The ice dance saw French pair Ambre Perrier Gianesini/Samuel Blanc Klaperman get the highest score in the rhythm dance section. But the Americans Olivia Ilin/Dylan Cain are breathing down their neck before Tuesday’s free dance where the podium places will be decided.
Japan’s Shimada Mao and Takagi Yo both delivered impressive performances in the women’s singles short program. Ahead of the free skating discipline, they sit in first and second place, with Korean skater Shin Jia third and knowing she has worked to do if she’s to challenge for gold in front of a packed home crowd.
In non-medal events, the ice hockey 6-team competition will move on to the semi-finals.
