The ski club pupils have had an outstanding final race weekend of the School year with a doubleheader weekend. With nearly 120 miles travelled, a 36°C temperature change between the two races, and two different surfaces the skiers had a tough weekend ahead of them.
Firstly, a squad of 24 Prep School and Senior skiers travelled to Welwyn Garden City for the London Schools Ski Race. Not to be deterred by the 32°C heat pupils fought hard for some outstanding results.
The day started with the Prep School skiers, many of the team representing the School for the first time. There was some brilliant skiing and all pupils involved should be proud of their performances and how they represented the School. Congratulations to Sophia C and Clara J for your first start at Surbiton Ski Club. A further congratulations to Emily L who came away with second place in the U10 category. The dual slalom team was then selected with the four fastest racers going into the team. Congratulations to Eleanor E, Mia L, Clara J, and Emily L, for finishing 2nd in the highly competitive and exciting race.
The Senior School then arrived in the heat of the day for a full afternoon of ski racing. With sweltering temperatures and racers in full ski equipment, it was set to be challenging conditions, albeit a far cry from what you’d expect at a ski race. The 19-strong team of Senior School girls all put their best foot forward and showed how strong they were as a unit, being beaten by no other school in the team races. In the Year 7 and 8 categories, the A team (Gigi D, Talula E, Sophie J, and Isa W) took 1st place with the B team (Katherine B, Amelia M, Elsa R, Leia R) hot on their heels in 2nd place. In the Year 9 and 10 races, the teams further demonstrated how strong the Surbiton squad is, taking both top spots on the podium again. The A team (Rose J, Immy M, Saskia S, Freya T) came 1st and the B team (Emma L, Elizabeth O, and Sophia C) in 2nd. In the Year 10 and 11 age group, the Surbiton team (Amy-Rose E, Lola E, Jenna M, and Ciara Mc) came away victorious again. These outstanding results meant that Surbiton was crowned the best London School. Congratulations to Freya (2nd U16), Ciara (2nd U19), and Jenna (3rd U19) for individual podiums. It should also be noted that Surbiton skiers took up 7 of the top 10 in the U16 race.
The pupils then left the heat for an evening of training in the Hemel Snowdome. There was barely time for a quick stop for food and then it was onto snow training. The pupils worked exceptionally hard and should be credited for their adaptability and work ethic. Following a well-earned rest, the English Schools Indoor National Final was ahead of them with some tough competition from around the country. In the Year 7 and 8 categories, the team (Isa W, Talula E, Gigi D, and Sophie J) pulled together to achieve a silver medal. Silver was the colour of the day as the Year 9 and 10 A team (Freya T, Saskia S, Rose J, and Immy M) also came home with second place with the B team (Amy-Rose E, Sophia C, Elizabeth O, and Emma L) taking 4th in a very competitive race.
Congratulations to all the pupils involved!
Learn more about skiing at Surbiton High School.
