Buchan claims British silvers

Another silver medal will be returning to Scottish shores after Perth ski star Scott Buchan picked up his second of the week at the Delancey British National Alpine Ski Championships.

The 17-year-old got off to the perfect start in Tignes, climbing atop the second step on the under-18 podium in the men’s super G.

He continued his fine form two days later, picking up another silver in the downhill after crossing the line in 1:16.66 minutes to finish behind Ryan Brown in the standings.

And while Buchan is the first to admit yesterday’s podium place came as a surprise, he insists he is thrilled to see his hard work coming to fruition.

“I am really happy with the podium. I wasn’t expecting that,” he said.

“This was my first downhill of the season, so I skied it a lot better than I thought I might. I also think I got lucky with the line I skied as well.

“I have been home more than previous years, so I have been doing a lot of off-snow training and conditioning, so that may have helped.”

Buchan is due to take to the slopes again in the men’s giant slalom today before competing in the slalom tomorrow – disciplines he is much more at home with.

While Buchan had planned to focus on his education following the culmination of the season, he admits his performances this week have made him start to think twice about his future.

“I am looking for some more top 10 finishes in the giant slalom and slalom races, but the fields are also much bigger, so being in the top part of the field is always harder in those races,” he said.

“After a couple of good results this week, it has made me think about whether I would choose to ski full-time, more than I have thought about it at any other point this season.

“I think I am going to wait and see what my grades are like though, and then make some decisions.”

Scott Buchan: silver medals in two disciplines.