Downhill speed thrill for Saddleworth girl

Reporter: Chris Bailey
Date published: 26 March 2015


SKIING: ERIKA Heginbotham insists she felt no fear skiing in the Delancey British National Alpine championships.

The downhill discipline at Tignes in France’s Northern Alps proved another high-octane event followung her adventures in the Super-G competition.

Sixteen-year-old Erika, who is competing in the National Championships and National Junior Championships for the first time, is a newcomer to the race.

Though her times weren’t good enough for a podium finish in either run - she came home 16th and 14th - Heginbotham, who is part of the Delancey British under-18s Alpine Ski Squad, admits the discipline fulfils her need for speed.

“A few people were quite nervous about the downhill, but it was really fun,” said the Saddleworth teenager.

“It was quite a straight run and the jumps weren’t very big, so I think I handled it well. My time felt faster, but it was okay. The downhill races are new to most of the other girls in the under-18s, so it’s great experience.”