A COLWYN Bay skiing prodigy got the chance to learn from a Paralympic gold medallist as part of his involvement with a national training programme.

Xavier Poynton, a Year 2 pupil at Rydal Penrhos School, travelled to the Chill Factore in Manchester to meet recent MBE recipient Menna Fitzpatrick, who is a visually impaired downhill skier who won one gold, two silvers and a bronze medal at the 2018 Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang.

The seven-year-old began the day by listening to a special talk from Fitzpatrick, who spoke about her life and achievements to date.

He also got the chance to try on goggles that depicted the skier’s five per cent vision, before getting his hands on the Paralympic Gold medal.

The group then took part in a skiing session and Xavier was selected to ski with Fitzpatrick and her guide, which was filmed for ITV and will be released at a later date.

The champion was “blown away” by the performance and potential of the Ambition Racing programme member, adding: “If he doesn’t make the Olympics I’ll eat my hat.”

Mother Clare Poynton-Craig said Xavier was “so inspired” by Fitzpatrick’s story and achievements, adding she was “an incredible role model for all children”.

Prep School Head Alison Hind, said: “This was a fantastic experience for Xavier and one that has undoubtedly got an enormous amount out of.

“Menna’s story is such a wonderfully inspiring one and for Xavier to spend so much time with her learning and listening is something that is sure to propel him to bigger and better things in the future.”