Taking to the slopes in Verbier Switzerland on 18 April 2013, Jamie was delighted to confirm his record, achieving 151.7 km per hour. The record was set on the SpeedSki facilities at Verbier, and due to the hazardous nature of the challenge, was the first attempt by a British Speed Snowboarder.

In order to undertake the challenge on the Mont Ford slope, Jamie wore body amour and a full face helmet. Prior to Jamie’s record, the unofficial British record was reached by Jamie’s coach James Foster, and stood at 132km per hour.

Having snowboarded since he was 8 years old, Jamie is one of the country’s top snowboarders and has been representing Great Britain since the age of 14.  He is a former British Junior Champion and is currently part of the British Snowboardcross Team.

Commenting on his achievement live from Verbier Jamie said:  “I am absolutely delighted to have achieved what I set out to do here.  Setting the first British speed snowboarding record has been two years in the making and to now have the title to my name feels incredible.  

“We had perfect conditions for the record attempt with blue skies and a really fast running track.  Looking down the track from the top was quite daunting but once I was boarding a sensational feeling took over and I focused everything on staying straight and maintaining my tuck posture.  I can’t explain how happy I am with the speed that I set which is just under 95 miles per hour – it’s been an amazing day!”

Keen to encourage other youngsters to get involved in sport, Jamie became an Athlete Mentor for Sky Sports Living for Sport last year.  Through the initiative, which is delivered in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, Jamie visits secondary schools to encourage students to reach their full potential.  He hopes setting the first snowboarding speed record will also provide further inspiration for the students that he mentors.

“I am only a few years older than the students that I mentor through Sky Sports Living for Sport and they have been right behind me in setting this new record. It has been a fantastic experience and achievement to share. Now that the official record is set I hope it inspires some of the students to try out snowboarding for themselves.

“The record attempt wasn’t without risk and I had to compromise between aerodynamics and safety to ensure I was wearing the right equipment to see me through unscathed. I’ve set a great benchmark record for Great Britain and hopefully one that will be challenged by other talented snowboarders in the country.” 

Follow Jamie on Twitter @barrowboarder