SKI STAR CHRISTY HEADING FOR OLYMPICS

Dec 16 2011 by Jennifer Buchanan, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AN AYRSHIRE girl could be skiing her way into the Winter Olympics.

For teenager Christy Mackinnon will be jetting off to Austria this week to start months of intense training.

But Christy is going to have to work even harder than normal if she’s to join Team GB at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

For the 19-year-old badly damaged her cruciate ligament during a crash while she was training in January this year.

And Christy, who lives in Troon, has been unable to practice since.

She explained: “It’s a fairly common injury for skiers but it’s a long recovery process which is frustrating.

“I’m at the stage now of doing my snow rehab at Xscape in Glasgow but it’s no replacement for being out on real terrain.”

And even the thought that she might be away from home over Christmas isn’t enough to quash Christy’s excitement at getting back on the slopes.

She added: “When I was at school the only time I could get to train was during the holidays so I’m used to it.”

Christy, who is a former pupil of Hutchesons' Grammar School, has been skiing since she was a tot.

Her parents, Alistair and Linda, are keen skiers and regularly took Christy and her big brother Fraser on holidays to the slopes.

Christy got her first taste of racing when she was just seven-years-old and she’s never looked back.

When she was just 15 she became the British Childrens overall Skiing Champion.

And in 2008 and 2009 the talented athlete won the British Junior Slalom Title and was picked to represent Team GB at the European Youth Olympics.

Last year Christy was crowned the Scottish Senior Ladies Overall Champion and competed in America with the British Junior Team.

And despite her debilitating injury, determined Christy has been reselected to represent the British Junior Team for the next season.

She said: “I ski full-time, but I’m not at the stage where I’m earning a decent living yet.

“It’s hard to get sponsors just now with the economy the way it is.

“Because of my injury I’m quite a bit behind the rest of the team who have been training this whole time.

“But when I go out to Austria on Friday the rest of the team will be coming home for the holidays, so I’ll be training hard then to get back on the path.”

Christy is keen to hear from individuals or businesses who may be interested in sponsoring her.

If you can help call Jen Buchanan at the Ayrshire Post on 01292 262200 for details on how to contact Christy.