January is a tough month in which to stay positive. We all know it. I'm going to try in 2012, by running a wee series In Praise Of. The first installment is dedicated to the joy of Ski Sunday, BBC2's winter sports show.
For decades, the iconic theme tune has heralded the arrival (for 6 short weeks at least) of a taste of the drama of alpine sports. Now, clearly, I'm not a skier, so why do I care? Let me tell you:
1. Ed Leigh - A UK snowboarding legend, the onetime Whitelines Magazine editor is now firmly snowboard establishment. In a good way. He got involved with Ski Sunday years ago now, much to the chagrin of many alpine purists and his mischievous influence has improved the show no end.
2. Downhill is insane - These guys hurtle down sheet ice at like, loads of km/hr. The crashes are epic. For a few weeks every year, I remember who the big names in downhill skiing and hang on their every turn. Current faves remain the US guys - Bode Miller for his wild inconsistency and Ted Ligety, for some reason.
3. Mountains - every week a beautiful, fresh alpine backdrop, contrasting acutely with the soggy, wind-ravaged slopes of Scotland which are mine to savour.
4. The theme tune - c'mon it's a classic!
5. Snowboarders ruling it - in the first episode of the new series, 2 UK snowboarders were featured extensively - Jenny Jones who has 3 X Games golds(!!!) and is a realistic medal hope for the next Winter Olympics and Billy Morgan who recently landed the first backside triple rodeo ever (this means you go upside down 3 whole times, while spinning horizontally at the same time).Watch here if you are confused. So proud!!
