Big honor

Spending most of his time last year training in Moscow with some of the world's top skaters has been a blessing for his development but a significant lifestyle adjustment.

"We have quite a few international skaters at that rink in Moscow. It's really good training with them, to be around the best in the world," he said.

"But I spent probably about three-quarters of the year in Moscow and traveling. It's definitely hard because I'm used to being around my family all the time. I think that's probably the hardest thing about being away."

Windsor has a proud connection to his heritage, having grown up within a close indigenous community in his home state of New South Wales.

And the significance of being Australia's first Aboriginal athlete to take part in the Winter Olympics is not lost on him.

"It's a big honor to be the first," he said. "It's definitely been a huge part of my life."

The last successful Australian pair skaters were brother and sister team Stephen Carr and Danielle McGrath, who made their Olympic debut together in 1992 at Albertville. In three Olympics their best finish was 11th.

For the moment, Australia's first indigenous Winter Olympian is not placing too much pressure on himself, and will be content with a top 12 finish at his first Games.

"Realistically we're not there to win a medal just yet," he said.

"We're still a super-young team and we've got a lot to develop."

Agence France-presse