16 year old Callum Smith (Inverurie) took a leaf out of his Huntly Nordic Ski-ing Club training partner Andrew Musgrave’s book to produce an outstanding performance in the Classic 7.5km Time Trial, finishing in 28th place out of 82 starters at the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival in Poland on Tuesday.

Smith, who took up the sport after enjoying a come-and-try-it session, has progressed through the ranks to reach the junior development squad, and his ambitions do not stop there.  Smith is determined to use his experience at the EYOWF to make an impact on the international stage and hopes to make the British Olympic team in Sochi 2014.

Commenting on his race Smith said:“Andrew is doing really well at the moment and I try to look at his performances and use them as inspiration. Training has gone really well and I have managed to stay illness free since Christmas. 

"This is the biggest event I have competed in so far and the competition is fierce. I beat a number of really good skiers today and I am delighted to break in to the top 30.”

Smith’s team-mates William Newman (Huntly) finished 57th and Andrew Young (Huntly) did not start.

In the girls Classic 5km Time Trial Deborah May (Huntly) finished 60th and Lauren Spencer (Gloucester) finished 63rd.

Tuesday also marked another victorious day for Team GB’s curlers at the Bielsko-Biala curling arena. The women’s team put in two strong performances to beat Norway 7-3 and then later in the day beat Switzerland 5-4 after an extra end.  The men’s team beat the Czech Republic 6-3.

Commenting on the teams' performances coach Rhona Martin said: “This week so far has proved to be a great event for our young athletes in gaining experience of what it’s like being part of a Great Britain Olympic Team.  I am delighted with the performances so far and both teams are sitting in a good position.

“Tomorrow’s matches are vital – if we win both matches against the hosts Poland then we are guaranteed medals here.  I am only disappointed that I have to return home tomorrow for the Scottish Finals but I leave the teams in the good hands of Debbie and Hazel.”

In the men’s slalom today Ash Hill (Cartmel) put in a strong second run to finish in 28th place from 120 starters in tricky over cast conditions.  Ali Stang (Glasgow) finished in 32nd, Matt Thompson (Milton Keynes) in 40th and Jo Morrison (Banchory) did not finish.