It was slightly more complicated getting into Europe for this season. Now with Brexit regulations, you need a VISA and/or resident permit which allows more than 90 days within a 180 day period; extra difficulties alongside COVID restrictions. Speaking of which, I write this from my 7th day of isolation with COVID-19 but luckily my symptoms haven’t been severe.
Once I made it to Europe, our training camps started like (almost) normal in Hintertux. We were joined by Slovenian athlete, Masa Strakl, who was also my flat-mate before injuring her knee; the worst part of sport. I am missing her and wishing her all the best for a speedy recovery.
(L to R) Masa Strakl (SLO) and Jasmin Taylor (GBR)
We also had athletes from Andorra, Czech Republic and Russia join us, FIS Telemark Social Media Coordinator; Sam Decout and his son joined us for a training camp too.
Photo credits and thanks to FIS Telemark / Sam Decout Photo credits and thanks to FIS Telemark / Sam Decout Photo credits and thanks to FIS Telemark / Sam Decout Photo credits and thanks to FIS Telemark / Sam Decout (L to R) GB Telemark Coach; Sebastien Mansart with future star; Elliot Decout! Photo credits and thanks to FIS Telemark / Sam Decout
Since winter has kicked in, we have been training in Les Houches and Flaine, conditions for the most part have been brilliant, but recent rain meant a cancellation (potentially postponed) FIS race in Les Houches. It has been so nice to ski at home again after missing out last year, also to be joined by many more of my teammates is a real pleasure.
Thank you to all sponsors for their continued support Lunchtime photoshoot in Flaine, France Mont Blanc from Les Houches (L to R) The future stars of French Telemark; Margaux Giordanna, Lenaig Mansart and Solenn Mansart
My summer consisted of friends’ weddings, training, coaching in alpine and telemark both on the dry slopes and indoor slopes in the UK, and ice hockey amongst other things, so here is a photo dump to summarise…
On a BASI course at the end of last season, exploring the ice caves under the Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland Ski touring with BASI in view of the Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland My new favourite hobby, ice hockey! Spent a lot of time here during my childhood and now return to coach during summer Summer running, first time I have seen my legs looking long Met up with GB Mogul Skier, Leonie Gerken Schofield, who also happens to be a very talented artist and lovely person Pleasure to watch my beautiful best friends get married this summer though not to each other, and on two separate days… The man and legend responsible for this climbing trip, thank you Ian Johnston Just keep looking up… Finally at the top! Smiling at Ian Missing the mountains… but climbing with friends is always good Food provided by Simply Nutritious Food Prep, a good diet is essential. Thank you to Julian Saunders all for his support Indoor skydiving with my auntie Sunsets in West Mersea
I also graduated (finally) from the University of Suffolk with a 1st Class Bachelors Degree in Sport and Exercise Science. A special thank you to Manos Georgiadis, who is a very significant person in my life, this degree would not have been possible without him.
Graduation at long last
This season you can expect to see Tim Gough, Ben Emsley, Magnus McIntosh, Colin and Alec Dixon, Bonnie Price and Sissi Compton in the World Cup start gate, and potentially a few more familiar faces…
I think my teammates are slightly tired… (L to R) Magnus McIntosh, Max Screawn (IRL), Ben Emsley, Bonnie Price
As always, thank you to all the sponsors, and to everyone making this possible. I am wishing everyone a Happy New Year – let’s see what 2022 brings!