Private School News

British Schoolgirls’ Ski Races – Flaine 2009

Katy Neilson and Lauren Morton (L6) and Abigail Murphy (Y10) having been selected to represent the school, attended race training sessions prior to the competition at Bowles, Tunbridge Wells.

Unfortunately injury was to hit the team, with Lauren sustaining an injury in the week leading up to the competition. Then Katy fell in race training in resort, and spent the rest of her time on crutches! Abigail remained stalwart throughout, and represented Woldingham with great determination and competence.

The competition consisted of three slalom disciplines: Giant Slalom, Parallel Slalom and Slalom over two days. As Woldingham could no longer compete as a team, as three skiers had to compete, it was left to Abigail to get the results! She had two good descents in the Giant Slalom and was placed 98th out of 121 skiers. In her age group Abigail was actually 35th out of 52.

In the Parallel Slalom, which was a knockout team event, Abigail competed in the St Mary’s , Calne team, as they were a skier down. It was exciting to watch and looked great fun to compete in. In the final day’s competition, the Slalom, the course was complex with many banana gates! Weather conditions did not favour all skiers and Abigail had to make her first descent in fog!

She managed a very good second descent, but as she had not completed the first run down, she could not be given an overall time, or be placed. Both Katy and Abigail gained much from their race experience, and the school looks forward to next year’s competition, more race training and no injuries!