For a 17-year-old, Katy Homyer has an unusual lifestyle. At 6.30am she can be found working out in her parents’ garage that has been converted into a high-tech gym. After school, she is out on the ski trails practising the techniques that will make her an even better cross-country skier.

The hard work and determination is paying off. Last month, Katy competed for GB at the European Youth Olympics in the Czech Republic. She set personal best times in the elevated company and she should now qualify for another exciting trip to the Nordic Junior World Championships in Turkey next season.    

For Dad Roger, his daughter’s achievements are also the result of years of enthusiasm for a tough sport that requires serious levels of fitness. The family live in Insh near Kingussie and it was three years ago that he set up the Highland Nordic Ski Club.  

“The Club is based in Insh and we train at Glenmore Lodge and I also run an after school club at Kingussie High School where Katy is a sixth year pupil,” explained Roger, who started the month in Oslo in his role as coach to the GB World Championship team.

“I was with Katy at the European Youth Olympics and she did really well. I also took the chance to study the top 15 elite skiers and it is the determination that is written all over their faces that made them stick out. They are also so organised.

“Katy also has that determination. She’s going to take a gap year after the summer and will live in Norway from the autumn. She has to be able to train on snow early in the season. It’s been great in Speyside for the past couple of winters with plenty of snow – but conditions can’t compare with Scandinavia. 

“It will be terrific if she makes the team for the World Junior Championships next year. I was at a meeting in Oslo run by the Turkish organiser and naturally, I was a particularly attentive listener. 

“Back home, our club is thriving and I love taking the after-school groups. I have about a dozen regulars and more when there is snow on the ground.”

At present, Katy, who gained five Highers last year and is hoping to go on to study bio-chemistry at University, trains six days a week and can spend many hours each day working on her skills, strength and fitness. Younger brother Jamie (15) is also a keen skier.

At the world championships, Roger was proud to be coach to a team of six that included five Scots, all from the Huntly Club in Aberdeenshire. Andrew Musgrave and his sister, Posy, Sarah Young and her brother, Andrew, plus Callum Smith. 

Another two Huntly members - Ruaridh Newman and Michael May – were with Katy competing in the boys’ events at the European Youth Olympics.

“Andrew had a top 30 in the sprint free technique in Oslo and there is so much promise for the future,” said the enthusiastic GB coach.   

“At the Highland Club, things are moving ahead all the time. Our Chair, Bill Wilson, has bought a piste machine this season and it cuts out great trails at Glenmore. It is another great step forward.”

For Katy, the European Youth event was a first step onto the Olympic ladder. Eventually she hopes to make the GB for the highest goal for any snow sports enthusiast, a Winter Olympics. 

EB

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