PROFILE

Name: Natalia Harte
DOB: 13th August 1992
Born: Falkirk, Scotland (although my family is from the West Coast)
Hobbies/ Sports: Athletics, Cycling, Go-karting, Skiing (obviously!)
Recent Results
Feb 2010 8th Italian NJR GS
Jan 2010 4th Italian NJR Slalom
Apr 2009 U18 British Downhill Champion, U18 British Super G Champion, U18 British Overall Champion, 2nd British Junior Downhill, 3rd British Junior Super G

I started skiing at the age of 2, as part of family holidays in America, France and my home land of Bonnie Scotland.

It wasn't till I moved to England that I became aware of ski racing. When the headmaster of my new school, Barham C.E Primary School found out I skied he included me in the school's dry slope race team at the age of 8. The first time I tried it I fell in love with ski racing and became involved in the Dry Slope race scene, racing for Chatham ski club.

I started snow racing in 2003 and joined Sandown Ski Club then moving on to British Ski Academy, spending most of my children's snow racing years with BSA. During this time I was selected to represent England at the age of 12 and was then selected to represent Britain as part of the British Children's team for the first time in 2004/5 season. My involvement in the team culminated in me representing the British Children's team in Topolino in 2007.

My sister also races and is now part of the British Children's ski team. She got the racing bug following me around the ski races when she was younger.

In my final year of children's racing my sister and I persuaded my Dad to become our coach. He has been our main race and fitness coach for the last four years. We now train and race as a family race team.

School has always come first in my life, as injuries can easily happen in this sport. Until this year I attended Barton Court Grammar school in Canterbury where I successfully gained 9 GCSE at A & B levels and have recently only this year completed my International Baccalaureate (IB).

During my time at home I also participate in the local Athletics Club – Invicta Athletics Club, which also helps me with my fitness.

In February 2010 I suffered an injury whilst racing in an Italian National Junior Race when I crashed heavily and unfortunately I ruptured the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in my knee. I have now had reconstructive surgery and am now on the road to recovery. I am aiming to be back on my skis by November 2010 in time for next season, hopefully.

In the first year of participating in FIS racing I was selected to be a part of the Scottish Alpine team. Last season I was selected for the British Youth Team and this season I have been honoured with a selection on to the British Junior Team which I was extremely pleased about. I am looking forward to getting back to full fitness and participating in the team for next season.

I am looking forward to getting my knee back to normal and really excited about getting back on my skis....