Semple, 27, said he had no regrets after his second Olympic experience, adding he was happy to only make the Canadian ski team.
“I am happy with my day. I have no regrets, even if I could have been a little faster during the Slalom,” he noted.
The Mont-Tremblant-based skier added he was “proud of the steps I had to take to reach the Olympic Games.”
Bode Miller (USA) won his third 2010 Olympics’ medal, grabbing the gold. Ivica Kostelic (Croatia) and Silvan Zurbriggen (Switzerland) respectively took second and third places.
Semple was 26th after his morning Downhill session. He then set the 16th best time at the Slalom race, putting him 3.34 seconds behind Miller.
Ready to take some risks at his only Olympic race, Semple also wanted to stay on the track that saw 11 DNFs.
“During the Downhill, I risked as much as I could and I really wanted to push. I then had a solid Slalom run, but I was lacking some speed. I had trouble letting the skis go and it cost me a couple of spots, but I’m really satisfied with my top 15”, analyzed Semple.
At his first Olympics in Turin four years ago, Semple was not able to finish his two events, the Giant Slalom and the Combined. This time around, he was capable to cross the finish line, in his own country, while coming out as the best Canadian.
“I had a lot of fun in Turin, but not on the slopes,” said the skier. “Here, I really wanted to do something good even if there is always a lot of pressure. The Olympic Games are special, so I was happy to be able to take part of it. The result is just a bonus.”
The athlete added he would like to spend some quality time with his family for the remainder of the Games. “I didn’t have to see them much since the beginning of the Games so I will now enjoy their presence here.”
