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Skier bids for England's top three
SKIER Thea Fenwick from Sleights is aiming to be among the country's top three skiers after proving herself on the international circuit.
After getting stranded abroad by the Icelandic volcano, Thea (8) has now returned from a successful period of ski racing and training in the French Alps.
Thea, who attends Sleights C of E School, has been skiing since the age of three but only took up racing last year.
She has experienced success at regional, national and international level.
In March, Thea represented Sleights School at the Inter-schools Chamionships in Chamonix, along with 350 other children from schools as far afield as Dubai.
Despite this being her first time competing abroad, Thea secured an impressive sixth place in both the slalom and giant slalom events.
During the Easter break, Thea competed in French slalom races with the Ecole du Ski Francais in the resort of Montgenevre.
Despite skiing against a number of teenage racers, Thea achieved a first and a second place.
She then completed a week of training with the prestigious British Ski Academy in Chamonix.
The academy has trained countless champions, including the entire British alpine ski team who competed in the Vancouver Winter Olympics.
Thea's dad, Mark, said: "We're very proud that Thea was invited to attend the British Ski Academy.
"It was an amazing opportunity for her to train on the slopes on Mont Blanc, alongside some of the country's most talented young skiers."
Thea, who last year scooped the title of Yorkshire U9 Slalom Champion, is now set to commence a new season of slalom racing at indoor slopes around the UK.
She will compete in the Indoor Grand Prix Series, the British Indoor Championships and the European Indoor Championships.
Thea's mum, Sarah, added: "Thea is among the fastest skiers of her age in the country. She has a real chance of reaching the top three this year.
"It's a massive commitment of time and money to reach and stay at this level but Thea has the talent to make it worthwhile."
Any local people or firms who could offer support or sponsorship can contact the Whitby Gazette on (01947) 829909.
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Weather for Whitby
Saturday 19 May 2012
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