Clement Noel scorched the 'Ice River' course in a stunning second run to win the men's slalom event at the Winter Olympics on Wednesday — France's first Alpine skiing gold in Beijing.
The 24-year-old, who finished fourth in slalom and the mixed team event four years ago in Pyeongchang, was sixth-fastest in the first run, but stormed down in a blistering 49.79 seconds in his second to take the title.
"That was one of the most important races in my career," Noel said. "It's not often that you are able to win a medal in the Olympic Games. It's one shot — one minute and 40 seconds every four years.