Tuesday 28 January 2014

They say it is all about the journey

What a journey it has been for British skiing over the last 10 years which is culminating at the Sochi Olympics in a couple of week’s time. As you probably know the British Olympic team was selected last week with the famous foursome of Andrew Musgrave, Callum Smith, Posy Musgrave and Andrew Young selected. Despite my obvious disappointment of not making the team I couldn't be happier for them and can safely say that they whole heartedly deserve to be going to the games.

Early clash racing

The team has come a long way since the days of racing in the clash where Muzzy was so annoyed at being disqualified in a sprint start that he threw his skis away in disgust. Fortunately for our entertainment they got stuck in a tree and some poor adult had to help retrieve them.  

Callum and I 2005ish
Having basically grown up with them for the past 10 years or so I can certainly say it has been an interesting journey. From playing rugby in monastery corridors to competing at EYO or orange fights in Austria to World Championships we have been through it all together.

Youngie at his finest
Sport at the top is ultimately about results and how fast you ski, especially when trying to make the Olympics. That is why the Olympics is the pinnacle of sport because just getting is some achievement in it's self. Despite having arguably my best ever season I haven't skied as fast as I would have liked or got close to the Olympic qualification standard.
Fairly typical Roy pose
Obviously I am incredible lucky to be living the life that I do but if it weren't for some very special people it wouldn't be possible. It always starts with the parents and mine not only introduced me to the sport but supported me financially to chase my Dream. Roy Young who some how created the British Nordic ski team that we know today. Along with countless volunteers who have given thousands of hours of their time just so we can go about the woods on a couple of planks. 


This coming weekend I am racing in my 2nd World Cup here in Toblach with a 15km classic on the Saturday and skate sprint on the Sunday. The tracks are really nice with good snow so I'm looking forward to it. 


  Convincing Fiona to crawl some piping in the middle of no-where