TASS Stars Awards 2020 – Meet the Winners
Burnley’s Robert Holmes was recognised as our Most Inspirational Athlete at this year’s TASS Stars awards. We found out more about the 18-year-old Loughborough College student and ice cool alpine skier.
TASS: How would you describe 2020 so far?
Robert Holmes: It’s been a crazy year for me so far! I was lucky enough to represent Team GB at the Youth Olympics in Lausanne earlier this year and then obviously everything came to a halt because of Covid-19. During lockdown I trained as hard as possible with the limited equipment I had. Training has started to get back to normal – I have since been away to Switzerland and Austria for training camps which have been really successful.
Robert in action at the Youth Olympic Games earlier this year (Sam Mellish Photography/OIS Photography)
TASS: What have been the highlights of your sporting season prior to lockdown?
RH: The highlight of my season was definitely racing at the Youth Olympic Games where I achieved a top 20 result in Giant Slalom!
TASS: What have you missed out on as a result of the coronavirus pandemic?
RH: The last two months of my season was cut short. I was properly gutted that I didn’t get to end the season on a high as I really felt I had some PBs coming my way!
TASS: How do you feel you have coped with the unprecedented challenge posed by Covid-19 and have you encountered any specific problems?
RH: I knew how important this time period would be in terms of preparing for next season. So I got my head down and focused on the physical training. For sure there were tough days but I managed to remain focused and positive.
TASS: What are you able to do now and will you be able to compete again before 2021?
RH: Since the end of lockdown I have attended training camps in both Austria and Switzerland which were super productive! I hope to be heading back out in October depending on the current situation. Regarding the racing we have had no updates but I suspect we’ll hear something soon.
TASS: What are your targets for 2021?
RH: I would like to be selected for the World Junior Championships 2021 in Bansko, Bulgaria. That’s a big target.
TASS: What does it mean to you to be part of the TASS family?
RH: It’s amazing. Knowing that you’re part of a group of athletes all pulling the same way and trying to achieve success in a range of sports is brilliant. The help and support from the guys at TASS is second to none!
TASS: What does it mean to be recognised at the TASS Stars Awards?
RH: I was really surprised to pick up an award and it means a lot to me! It’s nice to know that people are starting to recognise all of my hard work.
TASS: Following a year of intense disruption do you think TASS will have an even more important role to play in the next few months and years and, if so, why?
RH: I’m sure I will need TASS support more frequently this year as there is so much uncertainty. Training will become more intense to make up for the lost time but I’m sure I’ll get through this with help from TASS.