It’s not often a 21-year-old could be called a veteran but Richmond ski ace Honor Clissold is an old hand at the English Alpine Skiing Championships, staged this week in Bormio, Italy.
Clissold, reigning British U21 giant slalom champion, has an impressive CV that includes three junior golds at the event where Dave Ryding began his career.
The former Richmond School pupil made an assured start to her ninth appearance in the Dolomites, placing 11th in the opening giant slalom race amid an international field.
“I’m officially classed as a senior now, so you could call me old,” said the Team Evolution racer.
“I came here first when I was 12 and you still get that same feeling every time coming back. It’s been nine years but I do love it, I love the hill.
“It’s great to be amongst the British girls, everyone’s so friendly and encourages each other.
“It’s important to know in racing you have a lot of ups and downs, to try and remember the good days.
“The good days will come. I love skiing in general so the results don’t matter so much.”
Clissold is one of 440 athletes have descended on the Dolomites for six days of riveting racing in pitch-perfect piste conditions across super-G, giant slalom and slalom disciplines.
And with speed-orientated super-G racing still to come before the week is out, the Yorkshire youngster can’t wait to enjoy more of the perfect powder in Northern Italy.
“The snow’s been really good this whole week, we’ve been lucky with the weather,” she said.
“I just measure success that if I’m close to the faster girls, my points are showing that I’m going in the right direction.
“I don’t really have a main target, just to bring my best skiing to each event. If I ski well, I’m happy.
Snowsport England is the national governing body for skiing and snowboarding in England, aiming to inspire as many people as possible to try snow sports.
Find out more about Snowsport England’s affiliated clubs, athletes, competitions, coaching and campaigns here: http://www.snowsportengland.org.uk
