Tumbles and tough courses prove hurdles for Badenoch and Strathspey’s youth olympians
There was major disappointment for European Youth Olympics medal hopeful Carrbridge’s Emily Rothney.
The 16-year-old unfortunately fell in both of her runs in the final of the slopestyle contest yesterday which was a bitter disappointment for one of GB snowsports’ finest prospects.
But she can still end the games on a high as she will be competing in the Big Air later tomorrow (Friday).
Fellow strath teen Tia Freshwater, also aged 16, just missed out on her target in the Giant Slalom after a big mistake on the top of the course cost her precious time and saw her finish in 35th place.
She said. "Giant slalom is not my favoured discipline so I’m reasonably happy with my result.
“I made a big mistake on the top part of the course on the first run which kind of put me out of the picture for a top 30 which was my goal.
“But 35th is still a massive PB for me at this level.
“I now look forward to the slalom and will learn from my mistakes today."
Tia is the U18 GB number one in slalom.
The finals results and age group categories for the Giant Slalom were still to be official confirmed as the Strathy went to press yesterday.
Her father Andrew Freshwater said: “It will be interested to see where she came in her year group once results are out.
“Tia had a good second run but unfortunately made mistakes on the first run which cost her.”
Emily’s grandmother Anne Dickson has spoken to Emily and said that she was feeling ‘gutted’ at the moment.
“She had the ability to win gold but that is sport for you. She has big air on Friday so hopefully she will do better.”
Points are only awarded for those finishing the slopestlye course.
Mother Kerrie said: “It’s unfortunate but you learn from your mistakes. I spoke to her in the morning and she sounded very confident but it’s how things go on the day.
“I thought Emly would have gone big but after her first run she obviously decided ‘No, let’s just keep it simple because everybody’s falling. Let’s take the safer option and put it down clean.
“So to have fallen on the rails was totally unexpected. Overthinking? I just don’t know. It’s all part of the experience.
“But it was nice to see her meeting up with one of her Swiss friends for a big hug!
“She has her chance to go for gold tomorrow. The course is quite challenging and has taken quite a big of getting used to but she’ll be ready for it.”
The games run until Sunday.
Team GB’s 20-strong squad of young athletes, all aged between 14 and 17, are competing in Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, freeski, freestyle snowboard and biathlon.
