By Charlie Talbot-Smith

Kingston’s Darcie Mead admits she feels like a far better skier after an impressive showing on her British debut at the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival.

The 16-year-old was in action twice last week in Brasov, Romania, where she finished 28th in the giant slalom and 31st in the slalom.

And, with the Italian Championships still to come this season, Mead, who attends Surbiton High School, insists she has learned a great deal from taking on the best in Europe.

“The Festival has given me more confidence in myself and in my ability, I was quite nervous coming into the competition,” said Mead.

“I wasn’t sure how far off the pace I would be or how far back I would be. I just wanted to do well and show that a girl from Britain can still be good at a snow sport.

“The slalom went OK. It went better than I expected. I started quite far back in 56th and my aim was to jump up 10 bibs and I finished 31st so that is a big improvement.

“Slalom is not my strongest discipline to start with anyway but to race against girls I have raced against before and see how quick I am in comparison has been really encouraging.

“The top 15 girls here all ski full-time. They go to school in the summer whereas I have to juggle skiing and school, so it’s nice to be with them and in that environment.

“In the giant slalom I was gutted to finish 34th after the first run but then to finish in 28th is  a big jump for me and I am happy with that result.

“That has motivated me to do well and to keep training, keep working hard and do more gym work.”

More than 900 athletes from across Europe were in action at the festival. And for Mead the chance to mix with the British team, who had Olympic skeleton champion Amy Williams in their group as an ambassador, was a privilege in itself.

She said: “Having Amy to talk to was really motivating. It was good to have someone with her experience. It’s annoying hearing it from my coach all the time and, as much as I appreciate it, it is nice to hear it from someone else.”

The British Olympic Association prepares and leads British athletes at the summer, winter and youth Olympic Games. It works in partnership with sport National Governing Bodies to enhance Olympic success and is responsible for championing the Olympic values. See olympics.org.uk