Global warming might be hurting the Scottish ski industry, but it hasn't stopped Aberdeenshire youngster Jo Morrison from heading towards the highest heights of his sport.  His aim? To peak at the 2014 winter Olympics.

Jo, at just 15, is the youngest member of a British junior ski squad that includes another two Scots in James Filsell and Donny MacIntyre. He has just completed a two-week training camp in Tignes, France, under the direction of Scotland's High Performance Manager, Ross Gardner.  Next up is a three-week trip to Norway in mid-November.

It's a tough schedule for the fifth year Aboyne Academy pupil, but he wouldn't want it any other way. "My ambition in skiing is to go as far as it can take me," says Jo, who lives in Torphins near Banchory. "Fortunately, the school has been really good.

"The Rector is keen on Nordic skiing so he very sympathetic and very helpful. I do miss quite a lot of school time, but I take work away with me. This year, I'm doing four Highers. My hope is to get them out of the way and then have a couple of years concentrating on skiing.

"I'll only be 18 when the next Winter Olympics come round, but the one after that is a big goal."

Juggling his studies with his sporting ambitions is quite an act, but another difficulty was thrown into the mix two years ago when Jo was diagnosed with type one diabetes.

"I now have to inject insulin a minimum of four times a day," he explained. "Having diabetes while being so committed to skiing has been a learning curve for both me and my doctors. I went on an overseas trip a week after I was diagnosed and so I had to learn very quickly."

But, ever resourceful, Jo hopes he can take a big positive out of this unwanted adversity. "I'm really needing sponsorship, so I'm going to get in touch with insulin companies - Levenir and Novorapid - and see if they can back me."

Jo, whose talents cover the full package of Downhill, Giant Slalom and Super G,   is certainly a Scottish youngster worth support. Gardner already recognises he has a huge talent with a great attitude, and his progress this season will be watched with interest. One of the biggest forthcoming events will be an international in Norway at the turn of the year - the Scottish squad will head out early for a few weeks' training.

One of four children, Jo started skiing when he was very young. "We had family holidays in Andorra and my Dad started us all off," he continued. "My two brothers, Ryan and Sean, and my sister, Rachael, were also quite good, but they didn't quite like the squad discipline."

Having started overseas, skiing in Scotland has never been a huge part of Jo's development. "I used to use the dry slopes and I go to the Cairngorms if there is snow, but most of my skiing is done abroad," he confirmed.

When he is at home, he does use local facilities to improve his overall fitness - he has recently joined the Robert Gordon's University gym.

As for Jo's role models, Scots figure highly. Alain Baxter is one idol, while he has also been hugely inspired by another Olympian, Roger Cruickshank. "He lives almost next door to me in Torphins and has been really encouraging," he says.

So, while climate change might have hampered Jo's chances of honing his skills close to home, this is one Scottish youngster who is not allowing anything to stand in the way of him fulfilling his goals.

EB

© Copyright In The Winning Zone, MMVII, All Rights Reserved