Debut success and thrilling Snowboard Cross action start Meribel 2024

The Navy’s Petty Officer Aaby Aldridge and RAF snowboarder Squadron Leader Paddy Morris began Meribel 2024 in winning form on day 1 of the championships.

PO Aldridge beat the Army’s Major Kelly Richards and Navy teammate Able Seaman Jasmine Maunder to win the women’s Snowboard Cross event.

The men’s race saw Sqn Ldr Morris reign supreme, with WO2 Dale Gallagher and Flying Officer Chris Harrington completing the podium.

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This year’s course featured a really tough, technical task for the riders and it led to some very tight finishes.

Elsewhere in the Stade, Wing Commander Alexa Smyth came first in the women’s Telemark Giant Slalom competition.

The RAF skier stood at the top of the podium and was joined by Squadron Leader Clare Thomas and Major Lori Seed to receive medals.

The men’s race was won by Royal Marine Olly Wotton who was competing at Meribel for the very first time.

Captain Stefan Hurst and Wing Commander Rob Print put in strong performances, but couldn’t match Mne Wotton’s speed.

Podium results on the first day of action at the 2024 Inter Services snow sports championships:

Women’s Snowboard Cross

1. Petty Officer Aaby Aldridge (Royal Navy)
2. Major Kelly Richards (British Army)
3. Able Seaman Jasmine Maunder (Royal Navy)

Men’s Snowboard Cross

1. Squadron Leader Paddy Morris (RAF)
2. Warrant Officer Class 2 Dale Gallagher (British Army)
3. Flying Officer Chris Harrington (RAF)

Women’s Telemark Giant Slalom

1. Wing Commander Alexa Smyth (RAF)
2. Squadron Leader Clare Thomas (RAF)
3. Major Lori Seed (British Army)

Men’s Telemark Giant Slalom

1. Marine Olly Wotton (Royal Navy)
2. Captain Stefan Hurst (British Army)
3. Wing Commander Rob Print (RAF)