EYOWF: Evans looking to follow in Alcott's ski-tracks

From Ben Baker, Sportsbeat, in Liberec

EMILY Evans admits she's relishing the chance to follow in the tracks of British skiing's pin-up girl Chemmy Alcott at the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival in Liberec this week.

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Emily Evans has big shoes to fill at the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival but she's relishing the test in Liberec

The 16-year-old will test herself against the best in the continent in the Czech Republic as more than 1500 athletes from 44 nations convene for the biennial tournament.

For Evans, it will be a step into the unknown as she prepares for her Olympic bow and while she is setting herself realistic goals - claiming she would be happy to qualify for second half  of the competition - she has some sizeable ski boots to step into.

In 1999, Alcott won Great Britain's two and only EYOWF alpine skiing medals in Slovakia and has since competed at three Winter Olympics where she has chalked up four top-15 finishes.

And while Evans admits reaching the medal podium in Liberec could well prove beyond her, the she believes Alcott provides the perfect blueprint for success.

"Watching Chemmy is a great inspiration for me," said Evans. "I've raced against her a few times at the British Championships and that has always been a great experience.

"She's the best in Britain but I don't think I'm all that far away which has to be a good sign.

"I can't wait to compete at the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival - it's going to be a great experience and a step up in terms of what I have done in the past.

"It will be the best skiers in Europe and it's a brilliant opportunity. I've been in the Great Britain children squad before and competed abroad but this is going to be a much better standard."

Evans will compete in both the slalom and giant slalom events in Liberec, admitting it is the technical and not speed events where her really strengths lie.

In recent months Evans has proved her considerable potential, racking up top-ten FIS race finishes in Les Crosets, Switzerland and in Italy - and she's eyeing some British success to end her season on a high if all goes well in Liberec.

"After going the Czech Republic I'll be looking to compete at both the English and the British Championships," added Evans.

"It's fantastic to be going to an Olympic event and hopefully I can build on that as the season goes on and get some good results at the Brits."

The British Olympic Association prepares and leads the ‘Best of British' at the summer, winter and youth Olympics. It supports Team GB and National Governing Bodies to enhance Olympic success and is responsible for championing the Olympic values. www.olympics.org.uk