Meet Annabelle Medler

Meet Cross Country Skier Annabelle Medler

My name is Annabelle Medler and I'm a cross country skier. My local club is Huntly Nordic Ski Club, and I train as part of the British Nordic Development Squad.

What inspired you to take up your sport?

Love of downhill skiing and wanting to try something new.

Which club did you start your sporting journey with?

Huntly Nordic Ski Club.

What has been your biggest challenge in your sporting journey, and how did you overcome this?

The biggest challenge I have overcome is passing my required strength test to move up a group in the Nordic Squad. I had to put a lot of time into working on my strength training and not let myself be discouraged if I didn't pass first try.

What are your goals for the coming year?

My goals for this year are to continue to get fitter, stronger, and develop my technique making me faster. I want to finish with the best positions in races I compete in, and be proud of how I performed.

What does your training programme involve, and does this impact on other areas of your life?

My training programme involves lots of cross country skiing, roller skiing, running, and strength training. I enjoy swimming and biking too and having variety helps to keep me interested. The biggest impact doing all this training has for me is balancing my school work alongside my training schedule as I prepare for my exams, but also train for races.

What skills do you have that have helped you succeed in your sport?

I have resilience, determination to keep going, and a desire to win.

How many competitions do you plan to compete in?

I plan to compete in multiple Rollerski races during the summer season, in the Scottish and British Rollerski Series, and in hopefully 3 or more international races abroad in the winter season.

How do you deal with setbacks in your sport, whilst training or competing?

When I face setbacks, I try to not let things get to me, I think about how much I love the sport and what I want to achieve, and I keep trying to put in the work to get where I want to be.

Who is your biggest inspiration from the world of sport?

My biggest inspirations from the world of sport are Jessie Diggins, and Molly Carlson.

What is your greatest achievement in your sport?

My Greatest achievements in Cross Country Skiing are being part of the British Nordic Development Squad, and winning the British and Scottish Rollerski series' for the past three years.

What helps you to stay motivated and focussed during your training?

I find it motivating to train with other people, and to think about my upcoming races and goals which I want to achieve.

What advice would you give to others just starting out in any sport?

Don’t focus on competing at the start, just try and learn to love the sport you are doing, and you never know where it could lead you in life.

How will your Talented Athlete Pass help you develop and hone your skills as an athlete?

The talented athlete pass will allow me to continue to develop my strength and fitness, by having access to the gyms. This will make my training easier and more effective in helping me become a better skier.

Is there anywhere people could find more information about your upcoming sporting activity? (Facebook, Website / Twitter)

The British Nordic Development Squad Facebook and Instagram Pages, and the Huntly Nordic Ski Club Facebook page.