Page 30 - MERCIAN Eagle 2017

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1 MERCIAN Ski Team
In December 2017, the 1 MERCIAN
Alpine Ski Team travelled to Val d’Isère, France to compete at the Infantry Alpine
Ski Championships, Ex Frosted Blade.
The team of eight, consisting of four experienced skiers and 4 novices, lived, trained and competed together against other battalions from across the Infantry.
Ex Frosted Blade is a fantastic example of what can be achieved within the military; to come from a complete novice to 6 weeks later, throwing yourself down a mountain
at speeds in excess of 100k/h is a terrific experience requiring determination, physical fitness and courage and wholly unique to a career in the Armed Forces.
1 MERCIAN built on our success from last year, delivering an unprecedented
medal haul with the entire team winning on both the A and B race hills.
Capt Cole came 3rd overall in the individual competition, Pte Atkins won Silver in the B hill Slalom and Pte Wharton Bronze in B hill Super G.
In the team events we were most successful:
• A Hill – Silver overall, Bronze in Team Slalom and Team Giant Slalom.
• B Hill – Gold overall, Gold in Team Slalom and Bronze in Team Slalom. • Overall – 1 MERCIAN won Silver as the 2nd placed team on Ex Frosted
Blade.
Having cemented our reputation as one
of the premier Infantry skiing Battalions, we sent a team of four to the Army Semi-finals,
Pte Kieran Gilbert-Hatch during the seeding race
Ex Spartan-Hike. The team performed brilliantly against some stiff competition
and of particular mention was Pte Gilbert- Hatch who won Gold in the Novice Giant Slalom and finished seeded 59th out of a large field of over 130 other skiers many of whom had previous skiing experience. Pte Gilbert-Hatch exemplified what we ask for in our soldiers and what are the hallmarks of all Mercians: grit, courage and the constant pursuit of excellence.
The 1 MERCIAN Alpine Ski Team had a fantastic winter and is already looking to next year, sharpening our skis, ready to defend our titles and claim our rightful place at top of the mountain.
Lt Tom Margetts competing in Slalom
Capt Andy Cole skiing in the Giant Slalom
THE MERCIAN EAGLE