Beijing Olympics

New Zealand cross country skier Katie Calder has withdrawn from the Winter Olympics 30km mass start in Canada tomorrow.

New Zealander Blake Skjellerup struggled for pace in the 1000m short track speed skating at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver today, placing fourth and last in his fast-paced quarterfinal to finish 16th overall.

Vancouver Olympic officials are confident concerns about the warm weather's affect on conditions at Cypress Mountain soon will be forgotten.

The New Zealand contingent is raring to hit the ice, snow and slopes with top-ten finishes in their sights at the Winter Olympics kicking off in Vancouver on Friday.