Laggan skier James Slimon ready for Youth Olympic Games bow
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A TALENTED young cross-country skier from Laggan has told the Strathy this his preparations for the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) have gone well.
James Slimon is targeting at least one personal best time when he comes up against the finest young talent in the world in three disciplines in Switzerland at the Lausanne YOG 2020 games.
His selection means Slimon becomes only the second GBR cross-country skier to compete at the winter games, following in the ski tracks of Dalnavert's Scott Dixon in 2012 which took place in Innsbruck in Austria.
Slimon, (17), will be racing in the freestyle sprint, the 10km classic and the cross country cross races, all being held between Saturday and Wednesday.
The teen, currently based in Lillehammer in Norway for the winter, has been training and competing in races across Scandinavia in the build-up to the YOG 2020.
Slimon told the Strathy: "I'm still in Norway and have been training on snow before I travel out to the Youth Olympic Games.
"I've had a hard week of training this past week and then I am having an easy start to the week before I fly to Geneva.
"I'm excited to be representing my country but still focusing on the races and making sure I get the right training in leading up to the event.
"My preferred race will be the 10 kilometres classic race next Tuesday."
Former Kingussie High School pupil Slimon has been coached by Roger Hoymer, of Highland Nordic, and received invaluable support from snowsportscotland and Scottish Institute of Sport.
The opening ceremony for Lausanne 2020 took place last Thursday.
More than 300 hours of coverage is being presented online and on social media platforms including live and on-demand event streaming, a 24/7 Youth Olympic Games channel, daily highlights and news, and a daily Olympic Channel Live Show on Facebook and Twitter.
In addition, the Olympic Channel's coverage will include a daily blog, daily podcasts, streaming schedules, results, medal tables, and more.
Those interested can watch worldwide and subscription-free at www.olympicchannel.com and its mobile apps.
They can also follow the Olympic Channel's coverage on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to learn more about the sports featured at the Winter YOG, as well as take part in the fun by interacting with athletes and for behind-the-scenes action.
Related article: Laggan cross country skier heading to Youth Olympics
