Teen spirit shines in British cross-country skiing Olympic selections

GREAT Britain are relying on both team and teen spirit to deliver cross-country skiing success at next month's Winter Olympics.

ONE TO WATCH: Andrew Musgrave, who turns 20 in March, has already made his World Cup debut after some impressive junior performances

Andrew Young, 17, Andrew Musgrave, 19 and Fiona Hughes, 19 have been selected in a youthful squad for the nordic events in Whistler.

The teenage trio have progressed impressively through the junior ranks and have taken their first strides on the senior circuit in the past 12 months.

Based in Scandinavia, Musgrave has become known by the natives as ‘the Brit who isn't actually that bad' - an accolade not to be dismissed lightly.

But with nordic skiers usually expected to peak in their late twenties, it could be 2018 before he delivers on his undoubted promise and potential.

Young is another who has impressed the knowledgeable Scandinavians while Hughes finished third at last year's Swiss junior championships and claimed her first career win against a crack field of juniors in Bruksvallarna last year.

British team chef de mission Andy Hunt has hailed the trio's selection, claiming the experience of Vancouver will be invaluable for future Games.

"There are World Champions in our team, but also teenagers who may not truly reach their peak until the 2018 Olympic Winter Games," he said. 

"It's an exciting team - the best of British in winter sport - and we're doing everything we can to allow these athletes to fulfil their potential and achieve a personal best for Team GB in Vancouver."