A YOUNG Cumbria skier will be taking part in her first Championship alpine race in Italy.

Katie Ormerod, whose namesake is currently competing in the Winter Olympics, will be taking part in her first championship race on February 19.

A lifelong skier from Burton-in-Kendal, Katie has been involved in the sport since the age of three and was inspired by the renowned Team GB athlete and snowboarder Katie Ormerod.

The QES Kirkby Lonsdale student once contracted Katie Ormerod for a primary school class project based around each student’s personal heroes.

Katie got a response from her ideal which inspired her to follow her passion.

Her training with Kendal Snowsports Club has seen her gain the attention of the British Ski Academy.

Having her first competitive solo year in 2021, she has competed in the National School Competitions and has been part of the National Schools Ski Squad.

Her mother Emma spoke of how proud her family was of her accomplishments.

She said: “Katie is so excited about her first competition. We are all so proud of her.

“She is 14 but has been skiing since she was three.

“It’s great to see our Katie make a name for herself with the British Skiing Academy.

“A few years ago, she was doing a class project back in primary school about her personal hero and of course she picked Katie Ormerod the Olympian. I got in touch with her on Twitter and Katie actually responded.

“She got in touch and Katie got a chance to ask her a lot of questions.

“She’s an iconic for snowboarder and female athletes.

“She also met Dave Ryding who is the English World Cup alpine ski racer. Meeting them both inspired her so much.

“It really set Katie off in this direction and she proves that anything is achievable.

“Katie is so excited about traveling to Bormio, a bit nervous, but she has done races before and so many people are behind her.

“We travel on the 12th and race week is on the 19th. She might have three or four events to take part in.

“This is her first experience and she is against elites. But she is happy and we are so proud of her for everything.”