School student crowned English skiing champion

Charlie Luke, 16, secured the title of under 18 overall slalom and super G – a form of alpine skiing – champion during the English Championships in Bormio, Italy, last week.

He is now turning his attention to the International, English and British skiing competitions in Verbier, Switzerland, under the watchful eye of his mentor and British champion Chemmy Alcott.

Charlie’s week consists of one hour one-to-one tuition each week day followed by three hours of work in a school environment with a tutor and three other pupils. He also attends eight hours of lesson time on a Saturday and Sunday as he prepares for his GCSE exams.

Head of PE Faculty Mr Luke Talbot said: “We are so impressed with Charlie and his achievements.

“To be able to manage exams, skiing and all the other sports he plays says everything about him and his character.

“Nothing seems to faze him and he is a wonderful role model to his peer group and students down the school.”

Steyning Grammar School, his parents and all his supporters have said they are incredibly proud of Charlie and his efforts to balance his revision with his skiing.

He has a couple more race entries before the British Championships, including the Inter Schools competition running from March 20 to March 21, in Italy, where he will be representing Steyning Grammar School once again in the under 18 slalom and giant slalom competition.

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