SCHOOLBOYS have climbed a mountain after competing against some of the best skiers in Europe.
Richmond School and Sixth Form College students took the U16 team bronze medal in the British Schoolboy Ski Races, in Switzerland, as well as an individual silver.
The team comprised reserve Jack Dean, 14, of Ravensworth, Tom Cole, 15, of Richmond, Harvey Websdale, 15, of Middleton Tyas, Alex Speakman, 13, of Richmond and Ben Webster, 16, of Grinton.
As the only state school in the competition, they competed on the slopes of Wengen in both the slalom and giant slalom.
Team captain Harvey said: “The standard is incredibly high – one English school is actually based in Switzerland – so we didn’t expect to come away with anything. To secure team bronze was amazing. Competitors made mistakes and we were able to take advantage.
“We train once a week with coach Andy Turns on the dry ski slopes at Sunderland so were delighted that all four of us finished the Swiss course with decent times.”
Tom secured silver in the U16 unregistered combined class. He said: “I have been skiing since I was about two and love it. But to get silver against such tough competition was great.”
Headteacher Ian Robertson said: “The boys were not fazed by the level of competition and indeed relished the challenge.
“Their performance on the slopes is an incredible feat showing what can be achieved when young people have a passion for their sport.”