Experiencing a drop of 100 metres at break neck speed on ice isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but for RAF officer Louise Webster from Hyde, it’s all part of her day job.
The 21 year old has been selected to be part of the British bobsleigh team. Although she only started racing in January, she is a natural at the sport and now has experienced hurtling along at speeds over 75mph.
Louise is a self confessed adrenalin junkie and was chosen to command a two man bobsleigh after an RAF coach recognized her sprinting skills.
Louise, who is an air traffic controller for the RAF, said: “I did athletics in the RAF and thought I’d try something that was a challenge and fast – I ride motorbikes so I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie. I quickly got streamed as a driver and took part in the inter-services competition. I got a bronze medal, and the Army came first and second.
“At the beginning it was very scary. I don’t think anyone stands at the top of the track and doesn’t have a little feeling of apprehension at least. I used to be scared of crashing, but after a few inter-services competitions you don’t worry about it, although it’s not nice.
“I try to concentrate more on driving than crashing.”
Louise spent the summer developing her skills and training sprinting and lifting weights. She then managed to win silver at the British championships.
She continued: “With the RAF I get time out to do representative sport – my boss is pretty good. However, with this competition I’ve had to take leave.
“I’m currently training for the Europa cup and I qualified this week. That’s with the GB team, after the silver medal the coaches offered me the opportunity to do this competition for Great Britain.”
And could the Hyde local be heading to the Olympics?
“I’m not sure what the future holds,” said Louise.
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