EYOWF: Dixon looking to emulate father in Liberec

From Ben Baker, Sportsbeat, in Liberec

SCOTT Dixon will take his first stride towards following in the snow-prints of his father and six-time Olympian Mike when he skis into unchartered territory at the European Youth Winter Olympic Festival in Liberec this week.

FAMILY HISTORY: Scott Dixon is looking to follow in the footsteps of father Mike at the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival

Dixon is one of 15 Britons jetting out to the Czech Republic to compete in his maiden international biathlon competition at the biennial event.

As daunting as stepping onto the European stage is, the 16-year-old has grand plans to emulate the three-time Winter Olympic flag-bearer, and his dad, Mike.

Nordic skier Mike, who was the youngest member of Team GB at Sarajevo 1984, participated in six Winter Games - becoming only the seventh athlete in history to do so - and son Scott hints he already aims to better his Dad's achievements.

"It'd be absolutely brilliant to do what my dad has done," said Dixon junior.

"My ultimate goal eventually is to get the highest British result at a Winter Olympics - but I'd love to beat my Dad's results too.

"I've raced against the best seniors in this country but never against the best from Europe so this is a new challenge.

"We've had heaps of snow here so we've been out skiing through the forests, and it's all come at an ideal time for our preparations.

"I'd be delighted to finish in the top 20, of course I'd be chuffed to win the whole thing, but I just can't wait to go out there and do the best I can.

"It'll be such a different experience regardless of how it goes and it'll be great to represent Great Britain for the first time."

Dixon gained valuable experience on one of Europe's most difficult courses in Ruhpolding, Germany at the British Championships this month.

He finished third in the under-21 category, an impressive showing considering his lack of shooting practice, and his efforts left him dreaming of stamping his mark on even more competitions.

"I had to practice in pitch black the other day because I never get out of school in the daylight but it's the only time we get to train," added Dixon.

"I've got my eye on the first Winter Youth Olympics in 2012 but there's likely to only be one GB place available so it'll be a tough challenge.

"I'd love to go to the Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014 - I'd be 19 or 20 then so even if it's just for an experience, and not competing for gold, I think it'd be well worth it."

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