TROWBRIDGE sprinter Abi Davies is hoping she’s pushed herself one step closer to representing her country on the ice after also earning a spot in British Bobsleigh’s Futures Programme ice camp at the start of next year.

The 18-year-old, who is a 60m and 100m specialist on the track, has been a member of British Bobsleigh’s talent identification programme for around two years and following an assessment day at the University of Bath push track in November, Davies will now be flying out for her first taste of sliding on ice in Igls, Austria, on January 1-6.

The former Clarendon Academy student, who is currently studying for a degree in sports journalism at Southampton Solent University, receives funding through the Talented Athletes Scholarship Scheme (TASS) as a bobsleigh athlete and says that she’s excited by the prospect of a future in winter sport.

“I saw bobsleigh trials advertised a couple of years ago and because I already trained with Team Bath, I thought that I’d give it a go,” said Davies.

“Sprint training and bobsleigh training kind of go hand in hand because I’ve always preferred running shorter distances. I’ve really enjoyed it so far and next year will be the first time we’ve been on the ice.

“I’ve already had the chance to go on the push track with (Trowbridge-based Winter Olympic star) Paula Walker once and that was great.

“I’ll still always be a sprinter but if I end up getting the chance to represent Great Britain in bobsleigh, that would be amazing.”

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