Athlete Spotlight - Harry Duncan

Welcome to our Athlete Spotlight series — a new initiative dedicated to celebrating the stories behind the #teamsnowsportscotland athletes who inspire us.

Each edition will feature a different athlete, diving into their journey, challenges, and victories in a fun and lighthearted interview. It's more than stats and highlights; it's about the people behind the performance.

"Hi, my name is Harry Duncan, I am an alpine skier, my biggest achievement to date would have to be coming 2nd in the NJR slalom in Bormio."

⛷️ What inspired you to pursue your sport at a high level?

I have always dreamed of being a sports person, ever since I was young, but for me skiing has always been about fun. If I’m enjoying it I will ski better and the high level bit just came with years of pursuing the same dreams.

⛷️ What’s the biggest mental challenge you face in competition, and how do you overcome it?

My biggest mental challenge during competition is if I can ski at my best and get the results I feel I deserve. In order to overcome these thoughts I will speak to friends and coaches who help to remind me that all the hard work I put into skiing will pay off in the long run.

⛷️ What’s the most underrated aspect of training for your discipline?

The amount of time we have to spend in the gym in order to maintain performance and improve. Oh, and coaches tying your boots together in order to stop upper body rotation!

⛷️ If you had to describe your sport to someone who’s never seen snow before, how would you do it?

Honestly, I have no clue!

⛷️ What’s the wildest or most unexpected thing that’s happened to you on the slopes?

I won a slalom race. (Incredibly strange)

⛷️ If you could change one rule or aspect of your sport, what would it be?

We get another chance after a DNF, so we don’t drive hours to another country to just ski 5 gates.

⛷️ What’s your go-to excuse when you totally mess up a run/lap?

I Hipslid 5 times and stopped.

⛷️ If you could add one event to the Winter Olympics, what would it be?

Another alpine skiing discipline that I’m better at.

⛷️ If you could compete in any other winter sport for a day, which would it be and why?

I would want to do skeleton, it looks pretty fun!

Thanks so much Harry, and we look forward to watching your successes in the season to come!

If you're on one of our Scottish teams (and haven't received the questions) and would like to get involved, please email marketing@snowsportscotland.org and we'll send them over!