The British Olympic Association (BOA) today announced the athletes selected to represent Team GB at the 10th European Youth Olympic Winter Festival (EYOWF) in Liberec, Czech Republic between 12th -19th February. The 2011 EYOWF will see over 1500 athletes from 44 European countries assemble to compete in nine winter sport disciplines. Team GB will consist of 15 athletes from the five winter sport disciplines of alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, figure skating, and snowboard. Previous contestants and medallists include one of Britain’s best alpine skiers: Chemmy Alcott. Alcott won a silver medal for Team GB in Poprad-Tatry in 1999. The athletes selected for Team GB are:
For all of Team GB’s competitors, aged between 15 and 17, this will be their first experience of a multi-sport environment and their first taste of Olympic competition. Team GB Chef de Mission, Jan Paterson said: “The European Youth Olympic Winter Festival offers our young winter athletes a unique opportunity to participate in a multisport environment which is very much like the one they would experience at an Olympic Winter Games. I am delighted to be taking such a talented team to Liberec, the EYOWF is a fantastic opportunity for the athletes to experience high-level competition against some of Europe’s leading winter sport nations, and learn more about the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect.” Jack Gower (West Sussex) alpine skiing said: "I am feeling confident. Obviously, anything can happen on the day and everyone is competing to win. I have been working extremely hard on my preparation. My training is going well and it will be a real joy and great opportunity to compete against the best in Europe." Emily Evans (Kent) alpine skiing: “This is my first taste of Olympic competition and it is a real honour to represent my country. I am excited about living in the athlete village and having the opportunity to meet athletes from other winter sports and well as other European nations.” Calum Irvine (Highlands) biathlon and cross-country: “I am really excited about being selected for the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival, but I am sure I will feel nervous as the event comes closer, especially as I am competing in both biathlon and cross-country.” Jamie Whiteman (Nottinghamshire) figure skating said: “I feel very honoured to be selected to represent Team GB. Competing at a multi-sport event will give me experience that I hope to use during the rest of my sporting career. I hope I can make myself and team proud.” Jonny Chan (Isle of Man) snowboard said: “I am very excited to have been selected to Team GB for the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival, as this will be most prestigious event I have ever represented Britain in. Competing in Liberec will bring me a step closer to my dream of competing at an Olympic Winter Games.”