Former Maltese resident in British army ski championships

A former Maltese resident and British Army Officer cadet swapped combat for ski boots during Exercise Snow Lion – the British Army ski championships held at the Cairngorm mountain range in Scotland, open to territorial and regular army soldiers and cadets.

During the competition, 18-year-old officer cadet Andrew Southward, a member of Tayforth Universities Officer Training Corps, was up against over 100 skiers in the army’s UK championships which included Alpine racing, snowboarding, and for the first time cross-country skiing.

Andrew competed in the lightening fast Slalom and the Giant Slalom.

Fastest of all was the slalom, where Andrew and his team mates were vying for the quickest run.

Andrew said: “My team finished in 5th place out of 16 teams in the team slalom, and for me it was a great result as we were competing against some very experienced army skiers.

“It was a great feeling to have completed the Slalom course. It’s nerve-wracking but you get a real buzz when you get to the finish line.

Alpine racing is excellent preparation for the mental and physical demands of operational service, combining fitness, toughness, dedication and teamwork.

Many of the competitors on Snow Lion are still in their teens, and have also been on skis for just a few weeks, but relish the excitement and competitive spirit of the championships.

Andrew, who joined the UOTC in 2008, is a former pupil of St Michael Foundation.

When not on the ski slopes or on UOTC duties, he plays basketball or reads.

Exercise Snow Lion is organised by Headquarters 51 (Scottish) Brigade which is based in Stirling.