Ski star Laurie Taylor to represent GB in Romania (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Ski star Laurie Taylor to represent GB in Romania

10:00am Sunday 17th February 2013 in Sport By Graham Merry

ALPINE ski racer Laurie Taylor has taken another big step towards his dream of one day being selected to represented Great Britain at the Winter Olympics.

The 17-year-old, from Basingstoke, has been selected for the 11th European Youth Olympic Winter Festival in Brasov, Romania, which starts on Sunday.

Over 900 athletes from 45 European countries assemble to compete in eight winter sport disciplines.

Taylor is part of Team GB, which consists of 17 athletes aged between 14 and 18, who will compete in the six winter sport disciplines of alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, figure skating, short track speed skating and snowboarding.

The GB team will be joined in Brasov by Team GB 2014 Ambassador Amy Williams, the Olympic skeleton gold medallist from the last Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The teenager, who has been training in France, is competing in Slalom and Super G events and is looking forward to the experience.

Taylor said: “I have never been to Brasov, but I don’t think many other people have either.

“This is a great opportunity for me and it would be amazing if I could finish in the top 10 as I am up against the best in Europe and many of then have skied since they could walk.”

He added: “I have had some good results in France so far this year and I am feeling in good shape, so I am hoping it all goes well.”

After his trip to Romania, the next big event for Taylor will be the British Championships, which are being held in Meribel at the end of March.