Athlete Spotlight: Isla Ward (Alpine Racing)

In late spring 2024, Isla Ward made the tough decision to step back from Alpine Ski racing, marking the end of a remarkable career that began with school races and led her to represent Scotland and Great Britain at the FIS level and represented the British team at the European Youth Olympics and World Junior Championships. Due to a persistent injury, Isla can no longer continue racing, but her journey is one worth celebrating.

At Snowsport Scotland, we want to honour Isla's incredible achievements and hope her story inspires the next generation of young athletes who are just starting out, as she once did.

We believe every Scottish athlete who dedicates their life to sport deserves to have their journey recognised. The sacrifices, challenges, and triumphs that come with achieving greatness are often overlooked. Hear from Isla herself about her inspiring journey through snowsport below:

“I started out on the dry slope in Glasgow and got to travel all over the world training and competing, representing my country. I still remember my first race abroad, in Bormio at the English Alpine Champs (I was there with GSR, I was first year u10) and I won, at the time I didn't really think much of it, to me it was just another race, but that was when I knew I wanted to be an alpine skier.

To me skiing wasn't just a sport it was my passion. I loved every day that I got to be on skis, even the days I was skiing through a lot of pain. But it wasn't just the skiing I loved, I loved everything about being an athlete, all the training in the gym, the video analysis and prepping skis etc. My love for the sport is what took me as far as I did, but it's also what made my injury so difficult. I couldn't face sitting on the side-lines, missing training or races, or taking it easy

I have been through lots of highs and lows throughout my skiing career but having to step back has 100% been the most difficult. I, defiantly, was not ready to stop so soon, I feel I still had a lot left to give. However, I am lucky enough to have been a ski racer and achieved many of the goals I set when I was a kid. I may not have made it all the way or as far as I would have liked, but I'm grateful for how far I did make it and for the amazing journey. 

The dry slope in Glasgow was like my second home and I met so many amazing people along the way. Skiing may be an individual sport but there are so many people that it would not have been possible for me without which I will always be grateful for, and am grateful for all the support I received no matter how big or small.

Sport has taught me so much and has made me the person I am today. Skiing is an amazing sport so to all those who are just starting out, or wanting to pursue a career in skiing, I'd say give it your all, keep doing what you love, and don't take it for granted.”