Flag Bearer Alex Standen Leads Team GB at the EYOWF
18 Feb 2007
Alex Standen was selected to carry the Great Britain flag at today’s Opening Ceremony of the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival (EYOWF) taking place in Jaca, Spain.
The 16-year-old cross-country skier from Huntly was “surprised and delighted” to be chosen as Team GB’s flag bearer, leading the 28 strong Great Britain delegation out in front of a 2,000-strong crowd in Jaca’s new Ice Centre.
Standen was introduced to cross-country skiing during an open day at his local club, the Huntly Nordic Centre, nearly seven years ago. His natural affinity with the track was clear and he soon progressed into the development squad, despite having very little experience on snow. Always smiling, Standen’s achievements in the sport in such a limited time are outstanding. His dedication and commitment to achieving his goals is inspirational.
Speaking after the ceremony, Standen said:
“It means a lot to be nominated by my coaches who give up so much of their free time for us. Being Team GB’s flag bearer is a great honour and will hopefully give me the confidence to perform as well as I can this week.”
The eighth EYOWF has suffered a troubled start with the poor weather conditions affecting several of the events. The snowboard boardercross events have been cancelled due to limited snow on the course, sadly resulting in four Team GB athletes not being able to compete.
The poor weather conditions claimed another victim in the alpine skiing Super-G event. The alpine competition begins tomorrow with the ladies slalom with Jayme Baggio, Eilidh McLeod, Amanda Rennie and Harriet Steggles competing for Team GB.
Amy Tanner’s figure skating campaign also gets underway tomorrow with the short programme competition.
Team GB results will be posted on www.olympics.org.uk/JACA07/home.aspx
For further information please contact Louisa Huddy on +34 678 734 091.