An attack-first approach was the way forward for Angus Wills today as the Team GB alpine skier recorded a top ten finish in the boys’ giant slalom on Day 2 of the Erzurum 2017 European Youth Olympic Festival.
Wills, who eventually finished in ninth, moved up ten places from his initial ranking in the first run before going all out in the second and climbing a further two spots.
It’s set to be personal best in terms of FIS points for the Battersea skier, who admitted he was prepared to risk finishing at all in order to maximise the result in Turkey.
“I’m really pleased with my skiing today and it’s a great result,” said the 17-year old.
“I was looking to attack and rely heavily on my technique which I worked a great deal over Christmas. I wanted to take some risks and it’s paid off.
“I really went all out in the second run. There’s no point skiing just to finish and it’s good to record that kind of result against such strong alpine nations.
“Often I’m sneaking into the top 30 when racing in Europe but being one of the later starters today was a new experience which I felt I handled well.”
There was disappointment for Team GB’s second male skier as Ryan Brown failed to finish his second run after making the top 30 in his first.
Over at the cross country, Jack Nicholls was Team GB’s best finisher in the boys’ 10km free, coming home in 40th. The Newman twins Fergus and Oliver were in 48th and 50th respectively with Brodie Murray finishing 52nd after a gruelling effort at the Kandilli Nordic Ski Center.
Tomorrow sees short track speed skating and snowboard get their Festival competitions underway, while the slalom events begin for the alpine team and the figure skaters battle for medals with their free programmes.