2nd Year Student Isabel O’ Leary chosen to represent Ireland in Alpine Skiing

Isabel O’Leary 2A has been selected to represent Ireland in Alpine skiing at a prestigious international children’s competition, the Borrufa Cup, which takes place in Andorra from 26th January to 30th January 2013. This is her 2nd year in a row being selected by the Snow sports Association of Ireland (affiliated to the Sports Council) to represent Ireland internationally. She will complete in 4 disciplines, Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super G and Combi. Ireland is sending a team of 9 athletes ranging in age from 11 to 15, and Isabel is delighted to have been chosen for this event for the second year in a row.

Last year, Isabel placed in the top 20 in all her races and she placed in the top 15 in the giant slalom. Over 200 children from 30 countries competed in the races. Isabel began skiing at the age of three 3 when she lived in Germany and started racing at seven. On her return to Cork in 2007 she joined the race squad in the Ski Club of Ireland in Kilternan, Dublin.

It is a huge honour to represent your country in an international event and Isabel is proud and honoured to have been selected. She has already been club champion on numerous occasions and twice came in the top 10 at the British Grand Prix series in the UK snow domes. In 2011 she competed in France and Switzerland, coming in the top 20 on both occasions. She will fly to Andorra on Thursday, 24th January to train for a couple of days before the big event and is looking forward to wearing her Ireland jacket and carrying the Irish flag at the opening ceremony on 26th January.

Isabel would like to thank the Parents’ Council and all the well-wishers who have contributed to her training costs and helped her to achieve international selection for Ireland. She is also proud to be the only athlete from outside Dublin on the team.