Sarah Young
World Senior Team
Name: Sarah Young
DOB: 01/06/1989 age: 20
Nationality: British
Special additions and abilities
I really enjoy triathlons and have been competing in local events for the last three summers just to keep competitive during the off- season. I did the British Sprint Champions 2008 and won my age group. This year I did my first Olympic Distance Triathlon in Huntly and was the first women by 7 minutes.
Educational level
I have finished 2nd year of university at Stirling and got into honours, but am taking this year out to concentrate on my skiing. I am studying environmental science and so far enjoying it despite a semester of studying soil and the threat of another semester to go.
Previous/current sponsors
None.
Other funding (including methods of self funding)
I am now part of the Scottish Institute of Sport, which provide support in terms of physio, medical, nutritional, strength and conditioning coaching and physiological testing. I am really thrilled to be part of their programme as it is something I have aspired to be part of for a long time.
This summer I worked a number of part- time jobs to try and create a little extra funding. On the whole my parents pay everything not only for my skiing, but for my studying as well, which does make me feel a little guilty so I have been trying to increase my contribution. I worked in a B and B, serving breakfast and cleaning roughly three mornings a week. I also worked up at the Hospital in the evenings scanning patient’s files onto the computer and re-filing them electronically. I also tried to help my dad with his business.
I have been really lucky to receive grants from Aberdeenshire Sports Council since I started competing at an international level. I have also received a grant from The Skiers Trust of Great Britain, this year and last.
Personal interest information
I have always been involved in Sports. I grew up going to every sports club possible and originally, I really wanted to be a swimmer. Cross-country skiing was just another club, the only difference being that my parents were heavily involved with the coaching and organizing.
When I was twelve however, I was offered a place on the British Nordic Development Squad and although at the time I was not overly keen on competing (my only previous experiences having been on marginal snow conditions in the local forests) the opportunity to go to Europe to train and race (and miss a substantial amount of school) seemed too good to pass up.
As it turned out, I loved skiing and although I was coming near enough last in even club level races (in fact, probably because of that) I decided that I really wanted to be a cross-country skier.
Being involved in skiing has given me a second family really, although it is an individual sport, our team is close and we are all absolute nutters so there is plenty of banter. It has made me better organized because I have missed a fair amount of school and university to be away racing and I have had “planning” introduced to me to make sure I catch up. Although I can be a bit of a mess at times because I am not too good at forward thinking, so without skiing I would be a real lost cause.
I am really looking forward to this coming season; I make the scary transition to racing as a senior and I am also becoming a full time athlete, spending the entire season on snow. Especially looking forward to the Under 23 Champs, which are going to be held in Hinterzarten, Germany in late January. Also hoping to qualify for World Cup and (fingers crossed) the Olympics.
