Britain’s top snowsport athletes are one step closer to the most important event in their calendar - the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The British Olympic Association has just announced the Olympic Qualifying Standards for Vancouver 2010, and the top British athletes now have the chance to earn a place in Team GB.
The Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver begin on 12th February 2010. With less than 12 months left to finalise their preparations, the athletes have a tough training period ahead of them this summer leading into their competitive racing schedules as the Games approach.
Britain’s hot contenders include skier Chemmy Alcott who has already enjoyed a great start to this season with strong finishes at the World Championships in Val d’Isere in February. In snowboarding, Zoë Gillings, currently ranked number 6 in the world in snowboard cross, looks set to contend for a podium position in Vancouver.
Mark Simmers, CEO of SnowsportGB, the National Governing Body said: “Now the qualifying criteria has been confirmed, the athletes know what they have to work towards in the next 12 months. It is tough for British athletes to compete at the top level in international snowsports, but for Vancouver we have a talented pool of experienced and younger athletes, who have the potential to put in highly competitive performances. The end goal has always been a place on the podium, and now they know the route to take them there.”
