Soldier Chris skis to glory

8:29am Monday 28th January 2008

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A WARMINSTER soldier is continuing his success competing for one of the Army's top skiing Regiment's in a major competition in the French Alps.

Lance Corporal Chris McCourt, 23, has been taking part in Exercise Pipedown, the skiing Championships for British soldiers based in Germany, which is held in the French ski resort of Les Contamines Montjoie near Mont Blanc.

His team from 1 Logistic Support Regiment once again took the overall honours at the competition.

Chris was second out of a field of 83 in both the individual giant slalom and the individual slalom, he was third in the team giant slalom and fifth in the downhill.

His team also won the downhill; the team giant slalom and the team super giant slalom.

"I just love the speed, the whole snow scene and it's a great opportunity to get a break from my day-to-day work," said Chris, who went to school in Trowbridge.

Last year he was a member of the Army Ski Team, and The Combined Services Ski Team having come fourth in the Army Championships and third in last year's Exercise Pipedown. He has skied for only five years.

He grew up in Warminster with his parents Lieutenant Colonel Mac and Linda McCourt. His father currently serves in The Oman.

Chris is a driver with 1 Logistic Support Regiment who are based at Gutersloh in North West Germany.

Since joining the Army he has also served in Austria, Iraq and Slovenia.

Before joining the Army he was a sailing instructor and lifeguard for Centre Parcs.

This is the 14th year that German-based British troops have held their Championships at Les Contamines. This year there were 200 competitors providing 35 teams.

The championships offer the opportunity for novices and experts alike to ski under international rules.