A YOUNG skiing sensation achieved another significant milestone as part of his ongoing efforts with a leading academy programme.

Xavier Poynton, a Year 4 pupil at Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay, travelled to Austria over the Christmas break for another action-packed coaching programme with Ambition Racing, which consists of the best young prospects from across the country who enhance their skills further under the guidance of some renowned and successful coaches.

This culminated in Xavier taking part in his first Alpine Championships, which brought with it difficult conditions that resulted in the final day’s racing cancelled due to the unrelenting snow at the site.

The eight-year-old was undaunted by the task that lay ahead of him, and he produced a fabulous effort to secure a podium finish with third place in the Slalom event.

He followed this up with another polished display that defied his tender age in the Grand Slalom category, where Xavier’s fearless enthusiasm down the slopes saw him finish in fifth spot.

This was particularly significant give that the aspiring skier has another year operating within his current age group, and he will aim for further accolades at the upcoming Welsh Championships later in the month.

Marc Telling, Director at Ambition Racing, said: “Xav competed in his first Ambition Champs in early 2019 and didn’t disappoint, as the youngest skier in his age group, he managed to sneak onto the podium with a very credible third place among some of GB’s best U10 & U12 skiers.

“Xav’s development has continued well this winter with two good stints of training through October and late December as he looks to make a challenge for the top spot at the Welsh Champs in Champery later this month.”