Ski ace Cooper’s Tignes trip is a trophy triumph

SKIING star Yasmin Cooper has returned to England after a mass trophy haul at this year’s British Championships in Tignes, France.
Yasmin Cooper shows off her style in Tignes  Picture by www.racer-ready.co.ukYasmin Cooper shows off her style in Tignes  Picture by www.racer-ready.co.uk
Yasmin Cooper shows off her style in Tignes Picture by www.racer-ready.co.uk

It caps off a season of success in the Chichester ace’s first year racing in the adult and junior category.

The Delancey British National Alpine Ski Championships were the closing races for Salomon and Uvex-sponsored Cooper’s first season of FIS (Federation of International Skiing) racing.

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Despite competing with British World Cup skier Alex Tilley, the 16-year-old Chichester High School for Girls pupil held her own.

With a highly-competitive field, Cooper knew it was not going to be easy and was adamant to finish the season on a high. Winning titles for Delancey British National junior under-18 combined, super G and slalom champion meant she did just that.

Super G set the pace on the opening day of the races when the British Ski Academy athlete took top place on the British under-18 podium after a solid run.

The following day was downhill, a type of course Cooper had never competed or trained on before. After putting everything into the execution of the first training run, she said: “It was going so well until the jump where I crashed.”

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Cooper decided to withdraw from the following downhill races to rest her knees in preparation for the last four days of the championships.

The week continued with the national giant slalom races, and a tricky course saw the first-year FIS racer start from the back of the pack and take silver on the British under-18s podium. A couple of mistakes in the slalom left her determined, knowing she was capable of so much more.

The penultimate day saw another second place on the junior under-18 giant slalom podium, but it was on the last day where it all came together and the hard work and commitment from this season and previous years of training paid off.

The NJC slalom races saw Cooper stand on top of the under-18 podium and showing she is a force to be reckoned with, coming a very respectable fourth position overall.

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Bringing home two trophies, one shield and five medals, the rising star reflected: “The racing was intense and I enjoyed every minute of it. I’d like to say a really huge thank you to my coach Ali and everyone that is supporting me.

“It’s difficult to mention everyone but I hope they know how much I appreciate it. I can’t wait to find out what next season has in store for me.”

JOSH GREENFIELD

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