My name is Molly Summerhayes, I am a 19 year old Freestyle Halfpipe Skier from Sheffield, currently training with the GB Park and Pipe Squad and representing Great Britain on the World Cup Circuit, with the ultimate aim of competing at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang. 

I started skiing when I was 4 years old with my sister Katie at our home dryslope of Sheffield Ski Village and immediately fell in love with the sport.

Every weekend, I was at the dry slope, improving my skiing whilst training with the Sheffield Sharks Ski Club. I soon found my love for freestyle skiing, and went on my first Salomon Freeski Grom Camp with coach Pat Sharples. In 2010 I begun to compete around the UK and at the British Championships, choosing to specialise in Halfpipe in 2015. A Halfpipe is half a cylinder made of snow in which you perform tricks, gaining points for style, height and difficulty while keeping speed up throughout. On average, you have 7 hits in the halfpipe and your result is based on how well you perform the whole run.

I had a strong first year competing internationally in Halfpipe, becoming World Junior Ski Halfpipe Champion and finishing 10^th in a World Cup whilst still being at college.  I felt on top of my game, however, I then dealt with a huge blow which knocked me back.

In January 2016, I blew the ACL in my right knee which led to recovery, surgery and rehab for the next 11 months. It was a tough year but I finally got back on my ski’s and into the halfpipe in November 2016. I have had some challenges to overcome since returning to snow, but I am now feeling strong and working towards my goal of qualifying for the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.

Combined with a tough and busy training schedule I am working full time whilst I am home. I have been working at a local McDonalds for the past 2 years to help pay for the training and competition costs. I couldn’t ask to work for a better company as they support me with my skiing and allow me to have all the time off I require to train and compete. It can be hard to fit in gym sessions and physio within my shift pattern but I always work something out.  

I am heading to New Zealand for the first time in August with the GB Park and Pipe Squad to train, but to also compete in the first World Cup of the 2017/2018 Olympic season. In New Zealand we have to think about the costs of accommodation, lift passes, gym facilities and food, but the most expensive cost are the flights at over £1,500 for a return fare.

From my house in Sheffield to Cardrona, New Zealand it’s a 23,406 mile journey which makes it £0.06 a mile!

Thank you so much for taking the time to look at my page, any help is appreciated!   If you are unable to support via this campaign, please follow me on social media or my blog where you can keep up to date on my progress on the path to PyeongChang. 

Thank you, Molly