Hi my name is Emily Sarsfield and I’m Britain’s No.1 Ski Cross skier. I compete in a new extreme event called Skier Cross which has just been announced by the International Olympic Committee to make its debut in the Olympics in 2010. Since I heard this news a change of focus has had to appear in my schedule. I am now training for Vancouver 2010 and being the first British athlete to compete in this event.

Skier Cross is the new extreme event shaking the mountains! Exciting and spectacular, Skier Cross greatly appeals to skiers in search of big thrills: the riders start in heats of 4 (sometimes 6) and pass a course with moguls of all descriptions, banked turns, speed sections and big jumps. The first 2 (or 3) in each heat qualify for the following run. Being an extreme event it is about sheer determination and guts. Strong legs and superb balance are essential for the transitions and obstacles thrown at you in the course. This event comprises the speed and energy of alpine downhill racing going around slalom gates but adds the unknown thrill from the obstacles placed on the course with a head to head race making it the exciting event it is.

I started skiing early at the age of three on family holidays and never looked back, being in the fresh air in the mountains is paradise to me…I love it!

I started competing in Ski Cross 18 months ago at the World Uni Games after a coach suggested I gave it a shot… so not one to hold back, I gave it a go and finished 6th. Before Skier Cross, I competed in Alpine skiing (Downhill, Slalom, etc) I really enjoyed it and had so many great experiences, but the buzz of Ski Cross is so much more fun!

I was so excited when I heard the decision of Ski Cross being included in the 2010 Olympics. I am starting my 2nd full time season on the World Cup circuit, and hopefully by 2010 I will have all the experience, ready to perform at my best in Vancouver!

The Olympic decision brings greater recognition for the event, and hopefully it will help with funding. Unfortunately at the moment I don’t receive any funding and have to rely on sponsor support to cut costs down, making it rely hard to compete with the world’s best!

I would therefore like to thank my sponsors: Animal, Less Bounce, Futur-3 and Atomic.