SKIING: SKIER Glesni Catlin has never had a bad English Alpine Championships – and the Leamington Spa ace is determined not to let the good run end any time soon.
The 14-year-old scooped bronze in the giant slalom last year, with a return to Bormio bookmarked on her calendar for a long time already.
Despite narrowly missing out on the medals in both the slalom and Super G 12 months ago, the teenager has a new-found confidence as she prepares to take to the slopes on February 11.
While success is most certainly on her mind, Catlin is keen not to let her love for the sport be put to one side in Italy.
“Because it is the English Alpine Championships, everybody on the circuit is most likely to be at Bormio so there’s so many people you know and everybody is coming together,” said the Stratford Girls’ Grammar School student.
“While it is very competitive everybody wants everyone to do well, it’s very friendly.
“It is pressurising but at the same time exciting, every race you’re going to feel the pressure but it is exciting to have everyone there.
“My season has been really good, I got two podiums at the Ambition Championships and managed to win the combined event at the Evolution Races so things are going well.”
The English Alpine Championships are organised by Snowsport England, the national governing body for snow sport in England that is responsible for growing participation in snow sports through direct funding from Sport England.
They work closely with snow centres, artificial slopes and clubs around the country, as well as managing English squads and athletes across all snow sport disciplines.
For Catlin, this month will be more exciting than most with a trip to Bormio being preceded by selection for the Youth International FIS Races, representing Great Britain in Slovenia.
At 14 this marks a big step up for Leamington racer – but it’s a challenge she is determined not to be phased by.
She said: “This season I’d like to grab a podium either at Bormio or later at Tignes, that would be a stretch because I am in the younger part of my age group.
“It would mean a lot, that’s what we are working towards, obviously I want to achieve that.
“I’m going to Slovenia as well so I’m very nervous as it’s meant to be one of the toughest international races but it should be fun.
“I only had four training days beforehand, so I’ll just keep racing without thinking about it and letting it stress me out too much.”
Visit www.pyeongchangtopiste.org.uk for more information about how to get involved in skiing across the UK.
