Malaysia's Alpine skier Aruwin Salehhuddin stays in Europe to build on second Winter Olympics

After competing in her second Winter Games, Malaysia's Alpine skier Aruwin Salehhuddin is staying in Europe until April to sharpen the technical and physical aspects of her racing as she eyes bigger goals.

KUALA LUMPUR: Alpine skier – two words many would not associate with Malaysia. Yet Aruwin Salehhuddin continues to defy expectations after competing in her second Winter Olympics.

She is one of only three Malaysians to have featured at the Winter Olympics, alongside fellow Alpine skier Jeffrey Webb and figure skater Julian Yee.

Despite mixed results in Milano Cortina recently, Aruwin has chosen to remain in Europe until the end of the season in April as she prepares for the next phase of her career.

The 22-year-old finished as the highest-placed Asian skier in the women’s slalom, placing 44th out of 95 competitors at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Belluno, Italy. It marked a significant improvement from her Olympic debut in Beijing in 2022, where she recorded a did not finish (DNF) in the same event.

She clocked 55.09s in her first run and 59.73s in the second for a combined time of 1:54.82s in Belluno. Last year, she also finished fourth in the slalom at the 9th Asian Winter Games.

Asked about her plans, Aruwin, who celebrated her 22nd birthday on Feb 14, told Twentytwo13: “I’m still in Italy and will stay in Europe probably until the end of the season in April.”

While pleased with her progress in the slalom, she admitted there is still room for improvement. Her giant slalom campaign on Feb 15 ended prematurely after she recorded a DNF in the first run. She was one of 13 skiers who failed to complete the opening run.

In Beijing four years ago, she finished 38th overall – a result she hopes to surpass at the next Winter Olympics as she continues refining both the technical and physical elements of her racing.

Her decision to remain in Europe after the Olympics was straightforward. Last year, she alternated between hemispheres to follow the winter season and gain exposure to different snow conditions and terrain.

It was a demanding schedule that included 54 races, but one that accelerated her development and sharpened her competitive edge.

The exposure forms part of a broader ambition. Aruwin wants to become the first Malaysian to compete in the Alpine Skiing World Cup.

“I have enough points to qualify, but I want more time before I compete in the World Cup,” she said.

That patience reflects her long-term approach. Rather than rushing into the elite circuit, she is focused on building consistency, lowering her times and improving her international ranking.

“I will take it race at a time. I’m only 22 and have plenty of years ahead of me,” she added.