GB Students picked up a further two medals in the north of Italy at the Winter World University Games in Torino, this time on the slopes. Loughborough’s Lara Shaw collected GB Students second medal of the games in Freeski Freestyle, high up in the mountains of Bardonecchia.
“Being at the WUGS has been such a cool experience, the atmosphere has been so good, we have a great team to ride with which it makes it all better. As a competition it’s set up so well creating a great environment to be involved in.” Said the Loughborough based athlete.
“Going into my second run I was feeling a lot of pressure as I hadn’t done well enough in my first run which left it all to the second run. My Coach, Tyler and I had some great discussion about what we can do to better my run, so I had a clear plan and that was my focus. Soon as I landed my back 4 on the top rail, I felt more chilled and knew I could land the rest of my run and the feeling at the end once I had landed it all cleanly was very rewarding.”
“Being a sliver medalist at WUGS is a very good feeling, I came here with an open mind and the main focus was just to enjoy the opportunity, however soon as it came to practice day that competitive side of me came out which proved to me I can do well, so to be able to put down a run I’m proud of and come a way with a medal is a unreal feeling.”
Hollie Smith (University of the West of Scotland) will also be flying home with a silver medal round her neck after taking home second place in the Snowboard Big Air. On her silver medal placing Hollie said “I’m happy, I am really happy. My first run I did good and landed it but I wasn’t very happy with it, but I put it down, but then I fell on the second run. It was snowing, it was a bit slow, I. I was a bit gutted I fell on the second run, but I come away with a medal.”
“I’ve got all the Scottish team supporting me and friends from home who snowboard and ski and got my mum and dad watching back home. I spoke to them already and they are very happy.”
Chef De Mission Chris Purdie added “We have had tremendous success on the slopes in Bardonecchia. I am absolutely delighted for both Lara and Hollie who have been a real pleasure to work with . Picking up a medal is a fitting reward for all of their hard work and dedication to their sport”
