The good news is….

One of Britain’s top Slopestyle skiers, 17-year-old Katie Summerhayes won a silver at the World Cup in Switzerland.

It was an especially impressive result, as this was her first event back on the circuit after a knee injury.  The last British female to reach the podium in aerials was Jilly Curry in 1994.

FamilySkiNews first reported on Katie when she was at the Winter Youth Olympics in Innsbruck last year.  She was the BG team flag-bearer at the Opening Ceremony there and came 5^th in the Ski Halfpipe.  She was also a torch bearer at the London 2012 Olympics. 

The person who nominated Katie to carry a torch commented: “Katie just loves the sport of skiing and has gone from strength to strength by enjoying what she does. From the humble beginnings of an artificial slope at Sheffield to the mountains of Europe and America she always skis with a smile on her face.”

These two Olympic Games events have definitely whet Katie’s appetite.  Now she is definitely one of Britain’s medal hopefuls for the Winter Olympics in 2014.  It is perfect timing – Slopestyle is making its Winter Olympic debut in Sochi. 

After her victory in Silvaplana yesterday, she said: “It’s a really exciting time for the GB freestyle team right now with Sochi coming up next year. I’ve always wanted to go to the Olympics and after today it seems closer than ever.”

Here’s a short clip of Katie in action, practising alongside British freestyle skier, Tyler Harding earlier this year:

… and the bad news….

Britain’s number one female downhill skier, Chemmy Alcott, has pulled out of the World Championships in Schladming, following a bad crash in training, and following doctors’ advice.

Chemmy only returned to competitive racing this year, after a major career-threatening accident, ironically also during training,  in Whistler two years ago, when she broke her leg in two places with such force that the bones had pierced through the skin.    

She posted the following on her Team Chemmy Facebook: ”

I really didn’t want to write this update but there is no hiding from it anymore. I will not be able to compete in Sunday’s World Championship DH – the event I have been looking forward to for months. 2 days ago in training I hit the nets at just over 100kph and cartwheeled.

In doing so I have caused excessive stress in the plated fracture in my right leg. I have been recommended by Dr Fink, the guru of Austrian medical practitioners, to rest for a few weeks. This is by no means the end, I have shown my strength before – yes, the timing blows but better now than in a year!

On a positive note the big jolt to my leg may help the old injured to further heal so i am likely to come back stronger.  Thanks to all my fabulous Canadian Team staff and teammates for the incredible support – see you soon.”