While many of us were preparing to carve up the turkey at Christmas, one Harrow pupil was carving up the slopes on his way to victory at the Ski Association of Hong Kong Inter-School Ski/Snowboard Championships.
Isaac (Year 9, Shaftesbury) was crowned Ski C Grade Champion at the event, held from 20th-27th December in Beidawu, China, fending off allcomers in his age group slalom races.
Having honed his techniques at a training camp beforehand in Val Thorens, France, the 13-year-old had set his sights on winning the event and on pushing himself to achieve times which would be in keeping with his older rivals in the A/B Grade championship.
“It was a nice course filled with great turns,” reflected Isaac on his opening race in the giant slalom. “The conditions were perfect for the races and I felt like I was doing really well. I crossed the finish line to cheers as I set the number one timing for the race so far.”
“I knew my second race, the slalom, was a flatter course so I pushed myself out of the start gate with all my power so that I could sustain my speed. I had to push harder on my turns to keep the speed up.
“I gave my best shot in both races and was delighted to win for my age group and for Harrow.”
Isaac admits he’s set lofty ambitions for the future, and hopes to represent Hong Kong at the Winter Olympics one day.
Having started skiing as a recreational pursuit with his family around seven years ago, he’s thankful for the input of his parents, and also to Harrow Hong Kong for encouraging him to attend assessment trials for the Hong Kong Ski Team where he is now a Silver member and receiving expert coaching and advice from Olympian Marko Rudić.
“I love the challenge of skiing – the feeling of excitement and adrenaline, and being in the outdoor environment with the wind blowing against your face,” Isaac explained.
“I love skiing but I still wasn’t sure if I should try out at the Hong Kong team assessments. Ms Woodroffe encouraged me to while we were at the School’s ski camp to Hakuba last year.
“One chair lift conversation changed my life.”
All at Harrow Hong Kong wish Isaac every success with his future training and events.
