GREENFIELD’S ERIKA Heginbotham admits her skiing career will be put to one side over the next two months as the winter gives way to exam season.
The 16-year-old is back at Crompton House School having recently returned from competing in the Delancy British National Alpine Ski Championships at Tignes, France.
And having reached the age of 16, Erika was able to take part in the downhill ‘Giant Slalom’ races for the first time and take on the best including World Cup star Alex Tilley.
Erika’s aggregate time of 2min14.29sec may not have been enough to put her in medal contention as she came home in 20th place, but at 16 years of age time is most definitely on her side.
The former Saddleworth School pupil also enjoyed a solid run in the National Junior Championships Slalom gliding to fifth place in the British under-18 category.
But the former pupil from Greenfield St Mary’s reflected: “The second Giant Slalom run was much better than my first one, it felt faster and cleaner so I was happy overall.
“A few people didn’t finish their first run, it was bumpy and hard to ski on, but I managed.
“I think my Giant Slalom was better than the results I had in the first two days, I’ve was getting more used to the piste.”
And looking ahead, Erika said: “I need to concentrate on my exams now, I’ve got my A/S Levels coming up so skiing won’t be the priority. I’ve tried to do a bit of revision while I’ve been out here, I’ve got them in June so hopefully they’ll go well.
“It’s been good here, new and different which will help me in the future, and I feel like I’ve developed as the week has gone on.”
Erika’s potential was spotted by instructors during family skiing trips and she has been racing since the age of 10.
But until she reached 16 years of age, she was restricted to Slalom GC and Super G events as the full downhill races were forbidden.
“A lot of the girls Erika is now racing have been to the Winter Olympics so it has been a big leap, but she has really enjoyed it, ” explained proud mum Tracey.
Erika’s younger brother Matthew (14) also competes at a high level and he, too, was on the slopes in Tignes.
As principal sponsor of British Ski and Snowboard, Delancey is proud to be able to provide British Athletes with the support and training they require to continue to be a real force in winter sports on a world stage. Follow @teambss or visit www.teambss.org.uk and www.delancey.com
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