Queenstown ski racer Adam Barwood hopes to keep his focus on the slalom and giant slalom in Sochi and ''not be too overwhelmed by the fact that it is the Olympics''.
The 21-year-old was in Austria when he received official notification on January 24 of his selection to represent New Zealand in Russia.
''All New Zealand athletes were aware of the criteria that had to be met to be selected and I knew I had met criteria, but also aware that it was up to the New Zealand Olympic selection committee to approve my selection,'' Barwood told the Otago Daily Times.
''It was a real buzz getting confirmation, as well as a relief that the decision was made, and I'm now excited for what is to come.''
The former Queenstown Primary School and Wakatipu High School pupil is competing in a round of the world cup in Schladming, Austria, this week.
After Schladming will be more days of training, followed by two races at Piesendorf, Austria.
''After the races I will have a couple more days of training before organising all my gear to head to Sochi,'' he said.
''I enjoy training and having a busy schedule such as this helps keep me focused while also continuing to improve my skiing.''
Asked how previous races had prepared him for Sochi, Barwood said all races helped prepare him for the next one.
''Although it is the Olympics, which is the ultimate, there will be enormous pressure on the day, because of the environment and hype that surrounds the event.
''I have participated in a couple of high-profile races and experienced some of the pressures, the most memorable for me so far being the world championships in Schladming last February with 55,000 spectators watching the slalom race I was in.
''Very intense feeling and one of the best days of my life.''
