'It's like a religion for me': Bobsledder Sarah Blizzard reveals quintessentially Aussie pre-race brekkie
Australia is an outside chance to win a medal in the two-women bobsleigh at Milano Cortina 2026 after a strong showing from Aussie pair Bree Walker and Kiara Reddingius.
The pair lie 10th after the opening two runs in Cortina, 1.12secs behind the pace-sitting Germans of Laura Nolte and Deborah Levi.
A second Aussie pair of debutants Sarah Blizzard and Desi Johnson lie 19th, a further second back. Both pairs made up ground on their second runs, both briefly leading the pack after their second runs.
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Speaking to Nine after their runs, Blizzard - the 'pilot' who sits at the front of the sled and steers - said she had achieved what she set out to do.
Sarah Blizzard and Desi Johnson. Getty
"We made improvements from the first run and that's what I wanted to do," she said.
"It's a learning experience ... it's very hard to be consistent here, but I did what I could and left it all out there."
Johnson said they were both "ecstatic" to have briefly led the competition.
Watch the Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now. Plus, every event live & on demand, every medal in 4K, and exclusive international coverage on Stan Sport.
Bree Walker and Kiara Reddingius (hidden) in the two-women bobsleigh. Getty
"We didn't expect that at the start, so we were just ecstatic. You can see by the smiles on the faces - having that is just amazing," she said.
Speaking on Nine's Today on Saturday morning, Winter Olympian Jac Narracoot said Walker - who was disappointed in her performance in the monobob - would have been much happier.
"The first two runs have been amazing - they looked so much cleaner than what they were in the mono," she said.
"Whether that's just the extra weight, having Kiara in the back of the sled, or having had an extra four run. Who knows? Who cares? She's doing amazingly."
The final two runs will be Sunday morning (AEDT). Blizzard said she hoped to have a sleep-in, before gearing up to do it again tomorrow.
"We've got a bit of sled work to do, and then good food, good rest, try and have a chill morning and go from there. Big sleep, big chill, caffeine and let's go," Blizzard said, before sharing her quintessentially Australian brekkie.
"I love Weet-Bix - I have about six and some Sultana Bran sprinkled on top," she said.
"I have missed them so much. It's one of the best parts about being part of Team Australia. It is all I've eaten for breakfast since I've been at the ETC before the games.
"I love Weet-Bix. It's like a religion for me."
Johnson apologised before she declared she's "not on the Weet-Bix bag".
"I do toast and eggs … and I'm not changing!"
