Young skier to compete for Malta in next Alpine Ski World Cup

French downhill skier Elise Pellegrin is set to become the first Maltese woman to compete in the Alpine Ski World Cup in Schladming next

February. Pellegrin is also expected to participate in the next Winter Olympics in Russia next year.

The 22 year old was born in Blois, in the region of Loir-et-Cher in France. Pellegrin who's great grandfather was born in Malta, won the women's

Champion des Vosges downhill title in 2011.

It was this connection that pushed her to seek Maltese citizenship. In doing so she was the perfect candidate to compete for Malta at the FIS Alpine Ski World Championships in Schladming in February 2013 and at the 2014 Olympics in Russia. 

Inspired by her brother and supported by her family, Pellegrin started to compete and win at the local ski-hill Frere-Joseph. Aged 10, during an interview with a local radio station she shared for the first time her dream of competing in the Olympics, a dream which she is set to accomplish in a Maltese ski suit in Russia next year.

For Pellegrin the chance to connect her Maltese and French roots is an opportunity of a lifetime and a great honor.

Pellegrin is currently studying a diploma in Business Management. Her future ambitions include coaching and teaching both French and Maltese children how to ski. She hopes to bring her passion of ski to Malta.