Meet Jack Somerset

Meet Cross Country Skier Jack Somerset

My name is Jack Somerset and I compete both in Cross Country Skiing and Biathlon. I have been selected to the Great Britain SnowSports and SnowSports Scotland Performance Pathway for cross-country, and am also in the British Biathlon Union Development Squad. My sport has allowed me to compete in a range of events over the last 12 months, both in the UK (rollerski championships) and abroad (Biathlon Summer World Champs; on snow races in Norway and Sweden).

What inspired you to take up your sport?

In 2022, I was snowed in and happened to have a pair of cross-country skiis at the house. I spent my time skiing round the fields and when we were able to get out, I helped at Junior Development Squad days run by the Huntly Nordic Ski Club. The Head Coach showed me information on the British Nordic Development Squad and I signed up.

Which club did you start your sporting journey with?

The Huntly Nordic Ski Club.

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

Balancing my studies, training and competing. I overcame this by being organised and making sure I was communicating with my tutors and coaches.

What are your goals for the coming year?

As a coach at my ski club once told me "be the best at getting better".

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

It depends on the forthcoming goals, what races I am aiming for and if I have any exams coming up; training can be up to four hours a day at times. It does mean that I have to make sacrifices, I also need to make sure I get enough sleep and so no late night parties.

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

Resilience, a 'can-do' attitude and its important to stay relaxed and calm when things get hard.

How many competitions do you plan to compete in?

I plan to compete in as many international cross-country races as my studies allow, I am also planning on competing in some IBU Regional Cups with Biathlon.

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

You just have to never give up and keep trying. Cross-country and Biathlon are endurance sports, meaning that the World Cup Athletes at the moment are late 20's/ early 30's - I have many years in front of me.

Who is your biggest inspiration from the world of sport?

Youngie and Muzzy

What is your greatest achievement in your sport?

Being selected for the GBS/ SSS Performance Pathway after only taking part in the sport for two years.
On the back of my cross-country coaching at the Huntly Ski Centre, in March 2023 I was presented with the Aberdeenshire ClubSport U18 Coach of the Year award and in September 2023 I was awarded the Scottish Clubsport Young Person of the Year award.

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

My goals, my club, my coaches and my family.

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

Enjoy it!

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

It will allow me to undertake cross-training to strengthen and develop my endurance.

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

British Nordic Ski Team, British Biathlon and SnowSports Scotland facebook pages.