Ben Clatworthy
Skiforce are the proud sponsors of Ben Clatworthy - Set for big things we will keep you up to date on all of Ben's races and successes. Ben is also a budding journalist follow him here for up to date gossip form the slopes!
About Ben
A young broadcaster and journalist, was born in Bristol in October 1992 and is 17 years old. Ben attends Clifton College, which is an independent school in Bristol. In his spare time he is also a keen skier and races for the Britain’s oldest ski club ‘Kandahar’.
In recent years Ben has appeared on BBC News 24 on a programme called ‘YourNews’. In May 2009 Ben reported on BBC Points West on disabled education and the provisions available for disabled children in Bristol.
Bristol Post
A British Ski Championship contender from Bristol will be hurtling down the slopes in France tomorrow with an extra £6,000 of sponsorship in the bag.
Young skier Ben Clatworthy, from Westbury-on-Trym, has landed a deal with Skiforce, a London-based instructor training company, which will help him pursue a career on the piste once his racing aspirations have run their course.
The 17-year-old Clifton College pupil won bronze at a recent FIS International slalom race in Glenshee, Scotland, and from Sunday will be competing in the Senior and Junior British Championships in Meribel, which run until April 10.
Ben is hedging his bets for the future by adding a qualification as a ski instructor to his CV to go alongside his ambitions in journalism. The Bristolian has already landed work with a ski website and magazine and is hoping to follow in the footsteps of GB skier- turned-broadcaster Graham Bell.
Ben told the Evening Post: "(Bell) is at the British Championships every year and I've spoken to him about my ambitions.
"He said it's very hard as there's not that much out there. But if you've got your heart in the right place then opportunities will arrive."
The youngster's deal with Skiforce will provide him with a free 10-week training course next year, which would otherwise have cost him more than £6,000.
Managing director of the company Marcus Watts described Ben as an inspirational young man. He said: "He is a top skier and incredibly driven to succeed in everything he does.
"Skiforce is all about nurturing great British ski talent and for that reason we believe sponsoring Ben is a great fit for everything we stand for."
Clatworthy, who has been racing for seven years, currently spends around 10 weeks a year skiing on snow, restricted to fitting his training around his school work.
"It's the problem of juggling school with training," he said. "I must say a big thank you to my school as this term alone I have had about a week and half off and they have been very understanding.
"I'm planning on taking a gap year next year, completing my instructor course and concentrating on racing," he said.
Snowy start to Meribel
best of British ski racers have arrived in Meribel for the 2010 British Land National Ski Championships. However 25 cm of fresh snow fell on Saturday night and has hindered competition.
Sunday's planned Super-G was cancelled following a night of heavy snow and very poor visibility.
The red safety netting was bent over from the wind and covered in snow.
The ESF (Ecole du Ski Francais), who are helping to run the races have spent the day digging out the piste and finish area.
This time last month it was an unlikely story that the British Championships would take place this year after the nations governing body for skiing, Snowsport GB, went into administration.
However, through the combined and tireless efforts of The Organising Committee; Snowsport England, Scotland & Wales, British Alpine Racing Ski Clubs and the Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs of Championships, it was possible to go ahead and run the races as planned.
Until the snow came down that is.
The championships are a chance for the crème de la crème of British ski racers to battle it out to be crowned British Champion for 2010.
Last year the men's title was joint won by Dave Ryding and Ed Drake, whilst Chemmy Alcott took the title for the third consecutive year.
However this year an injured Ed Drake will not take part and Andy Noble and Doggie Crawford will battle it out with 24-year old, Ryding.
Racing is due to resume shorlty with either the Super-G or the first day of Downhill training.
Depends on the snow.
The Senior and Junior competition continues in Meribel until 5 April with all the races taking place on the 'Du Corby' stade.
Last week in Meribel in slightly better racing conditions
Ben Clatworthy is racing at The Championships and will be bringing us a series of reprots from the event here on PlanetSKI.
He is sponsored by Skiforce - Instructor Training.
