A six-strong squad has been selected
to compete in the 20th World University Winter Games at
Zakopane in Poland next month (Feb 7-17) under the aegis
of British Universities Sports Association (BUSA).
Amongst the athletes will be one of
Britain's most exciting young prospects - 20 year old Amanda
Pirie (Loughborough University) from Aberdeen, currently
ranked third overall in Britain and first in the Downhill
and Super G disciplines.
Next strongest in the squad will be
Amanda's sister Tessa Pirie - a medical student at Edinburgh
University - who is 22 and has held virtually every British
women's title in her time. She will be difficult to beat
in both technical and speed events and may even provide
some competition for her sister.
The squad's third female Alpine skier
is 21 year old Scot Laura Westmacott (Newcastle University).
The reigning British Senior Champion and British Universities
Dry Slope Champion for the last three years, Laura's multi-discipline
strength may elevate her to a podium position in the overall
rankings.
Only one male racer has been selected
- 20 year old Blair Aitken (Edinburgh University). Scottish
Slalom Champion and British Universities Slalom and Giant
Slalom Champion, Blair is one of the UK's most exciting
collegiate racers. He is a technical specialist so is likely
to compete only in slalom and GS.
The British Universities Squad will
also include two Nordic athletes. Trish Ball (University
of Wales) could threaten the Games' top Nordic racers. She
was the silver medallist in the British Championships last
season, while Scots-born Emma Garrard, (University of Nevada)
has much Nordic race experience, is likely to be a strong
second string.
Managing the squad will be Guy Taylor
from Northumbria University with Duncan Freshwater as the
senior coach.
Natives wishes all the above all the
best during the competition.
British Universities Championships.
