It all started in August, when I entered the first round of the 2023 UA Next London Top Athlete search. This is a programme that aims to identify and support young athletes aged from16-20 years with the potential to compete at the top level in their sport.
Heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua launched the 2023 programme at Under Armour’s Battersea Power Station store in April. I thought it would be good to put my fitness to the test, so I went along on 22nd August.
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Over 900 athletes took part in Season 2, so imagine how proud I was to be one of only 10 to make it to the finals, held at UA’s Human Performance Institute at their Amsterdam headquarters in November.
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Finalists were selected through performance testing for strength, reaction time, power, agility and speed. This was held at UA’s state-of-the-art training academy at the Battersea Power Station hub. What an amazing place.
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I am very committed to working hard on my fitness throughout the year, so I am delighted with my achievements, and the advanced-level results will support my off-snow training.
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Our all-expenses paid trip out to the Amsterdam finals was so exciting. It was a chance to meet athletes from other sports backgrounds and undergo next-level performance testing. We all left more knowledgeable and with some great sports gear, courtesy of Under Armour.
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As there is no central support funding for GB Junior alpine skiers, as in some other sports, it was a very valuable opportunity for many of us who took part. It was a fantastic experience.
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I was one of the youngest athletes to make the finals and the only alpine skier. But I had some strong results against all the other athletes. Sadly, I just missed out on being one of the three athletes who were signed up but I am so proud of my achievements and I will always feel a part of the UA Next family.
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Thank you, Under Armour.
It's nearly Christmas – enjoy browsing the website shop for festive cards, matching wrapping paper, and creative and imaginative gifts and treats
In the website shop, you’ll find cards, art prints and gifts featuring my latest original hand-drawn artwork, and popular favourites, too.
With Christmas on its way, why not send someone a special card or thoughtful gift? Every shop sale continues to contribute towards my race training costs, so thank you so much for shopping.