Chemmy Alcott returns to the slopes

2nd July 2012, by Ian Stratford

Chemmy at Lake Louise in 2010

Chemmy Alcott made a triumphant return to the slopes in June, nearly two years after a devastating crash during training left her with a severely broken leg. She took to the slopes on the 11th June in Kaprun, Austria, to begin training for the upcoming 2012/2013 World Cup season, the first step on her road to Sochi 2014, the Winter Olympic Games to be held in Russia.

Chemmy, who’s right leg is in great shape following intensive rehabilitation helped by The Third Space gym and medical centre in Soho and training for ITV1’s Dancing on Ice, is the highest ranking British female skier in history and will join the Canadian Ski Team in September to continue training. Having recently received the news that she (as well as the male British alpine speed skiers) will not be financially supported by British Ski & Snowboard (BSS) for the coming winter, Chemmy has had to turn to friends, family and corporate sponsors to self-fund her return to racing. Despite falling short of the £75,000 needed per year to fund a world class programme, Chemmy is resolved to find a way.

This year will see Chemmy back in the competitive field for the first time since 2010, taking part on the World Cup Tour and World Championships in Schladming, Austria.

Alcott is delighted to be returning to the passion that is closest to her heart – skiing. Chemmy said, “I’m over the moon to be back on my skis. My leg feels great and I’m confident about the season ahead. I’m obviously devastated that BSS has pulled much-needed funding from me, Dougie [Crawford] and TJ [Baldwin] but I won’t let that stop my comeback. Getting a podium finish in Sochi is still my focus.”

Chemmy has now returned to the UK to take part in various activities leading up to the London 2012 Olympics; this includes carrying the Olympic torch through the London Borough of Ealing on 24th July. Alcott was nominated to carry the flame by her fellow teammates from the British Ski Team in recognition for all that she has done for skiing in the UK.

For more information about Chemmy Alcott visit http://www.chemmyalcott.com

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