Despite living in the sweltering heat of Dubai, skier Robyn Leslie is pushing for medals on the snow as she gets set for the English Alpine Skiing Championships.

The 16-year-old, who grew up in Bedford, will be racing for Alpine Training Centre when she races in Bormio later this month.

She admits her chances for medal would be higher if she was based in a snowy country – with Dubai not offering the best of the facilities.

But the teenager remains optimistic that the climate can in fact work in her favour if she gets it right on the day in Northern Italy.

“Obviously there is a disadvantage but I don’t let it get to me,” Leslie said. 

“I go out there and try my best and take into consideration I live in the Middle East but I try to use it to my advantage, I can build up my stamina in the heat.

“In Dubai there is a big indoor ski slope and that’s about it. I train there once or twice a week and then a lot of work in the gym.

“Then there are inter-school races where people compete and represent their schools. 

“Recently they had the UAE National Championships, which I competed in as well. Those are all held indoors in Dubai.”

Leslie, a former student at Elstow Lower School, first picked up skiing while away on family holidays in Europe.

She continued to practice when at Milton Keynes Ski Club and began to enter competitions. 

Leslie joined ATC a year ago and already reaping the rewards of their expert coaching, while representing the team in The Alps on a regular basis.

This year will be her fourth competing in Bormio at The English Alpine Championships, where Olympian Dave Ryding started his career before competing in the World Cup, which is one of the biggest annual competitions in the skiing calendar.

“The English is probably the biggest event I’ve got coming up. I’m currently going to the gym as often as I can to build up my stamina,” Leslie said of the event, which begins on February 17.

“The runs are quite long. I’ve been doing extra training every weekend as well.

“I really like Bormio, the races and the courses are always good. Sometimes the weather is a bit cold but it’s always been good for me. 

“The past few years my performance has not been amazing but I think I’ve done well in some races, especially considering I’m in the Middle East. 

“This year I’m upping my game because I’m used to the event and know what to expect and know the runs. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Snowsport England is the national governing body for skiing and snowboarding in England, aiming to inspire as many people as possible to try snow sports. Find out more about Snowsport England’s affiliated clubs, athletes, competitions, coaching and campaigns here: www.snowsportengland.org.uk