A young skier from Felsted School has been selected as one of 36 athletes to represent Team GB at the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games.
Charlie Cooper, 16, will fly out to South Korea with the whole squad on Thursday, January 18, and will then transfer to Gangwon where he will stay in the official Olympic Village.
A boarder at Felsted School, Charlie is in the youngest qualifying age bracket, and will be the youngest GB Freestyle Skiing athlete at the event.
Charlie said: "I have always dreamed of being an Olympian and I am so proud that I will be representing Team GB.
"It is going to be a great experience and I cannot wait to get started in Gangwon later this month."
After receiving news of his selection, Charlie's parents Andy and Laura said: "It’s difficult to find the words to describe how we are all feeling - it is just the most amazing news."
Charlie was first identified for the Olympic Pathway at just eight years old.
His dad Andy commented: "In the eight years since, Charlie has worked hard and made personal sacrifices to achieve his ultimate goal of becoming an Olympian.
"We would like to note our thanks to Felsted School for their continuing support of Charlie’s sporting progress, the opportunities made available for Charlie to take part in external competitions and events and their help in the preparation and supervision of Charlie’s training."
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Team GB's athletes, all aged between 15 and 18, will compete in 11 of the 15 sports on the programme: alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsleigh, cross-country, curling, figure skating, freestyle skiing, ice hockey, luge, short track speed skating and snowboarding.
Head of Felsted School, Chris Townsend said: "Charlie joins a long line of Felsted Olympians and is our first to compete in the Youth Winter Games.
"Sport is an important part of life at Felsted and there is no greater competition than the Olympics.
"We are all incredibly proud of his achievements and the whole Felsted community is excited to see him compete in Gangwon, we wish him the very best of luck."
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