History of British Disabled Alpine Racing 

 

The British Disabled Ski Team was formed over 20 years ago, under the care of the National Handicapped Skiing Association (NHSA).

Brits raced as far back as the first Paralympic alpine competition in Ornskoldvick, Sweden, in 1976. During these formative years Graham Peacock and his wife dedicated much time, as did NHSA members Mike and Rhona Morris to forge an internationally competitive team.

In 1992, athletes returned to Britain after competing in 1992 Winter Paralympics, in Albertville, France. The team managed to net five medals.

Building on previous Paralympic success, team members won another five medals in Lillehammer, Norway, during the 1994 Paralympics

Lack of further Paralympic success spurred on both athletes and members of the NHSA, and from this point, more effort, time and support was put into the team. Despite this commitment, when the next Paralympics came around, in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2002, only two racers were able to compete at this level, unfortunately without medal success

As time has progressed, and international racing has improved, the team has been under pressure to produce higher competitive standards

Following the merger of the NHSA and other snowsports organisations in March 2004 under the umbrella charity of Disability Snowsport UK, the team commenced with its development strategy for a more progressive management and training structure for all athletes

Turin 2006 delivered the first signs of that road to future success with athlete Sean Rose narrowly missing a medal in the Blue Ribband Downhill event

Vancouver 2010 brought GB's biggest entry and greatest success since 1996 with a team of 8 athletes and 5 top 8 positions from both the men and women of the squad. The British teams best place coming from Northern Ireland's first Alpine athlete in the Visually Impaired category and her guide Clare Robb who achieved a magnificent 4th place.

 

All sights are now set on Sochi 2014, in Russia where a medal or two should be well within the advancing capabilities of the the team.

Our success is your success 

 

With skiing being a competitive sport, the success of the British Disabled Ski Team will be judged by its results in the major competitions.

 

We have set our goals and aspirations high but are confident that with the skill and dedication of our racers and the hard work of the Team management and support staff they can be achieved.

 

Due to the nature of our sport, specifically the expense and time commitment required by athletes to compete at the top level, our team will remain fairly small.

 

However, this will enable us to focus our resources on those most likely to podium in the short, medium and long term.

 

Please support your team in anyway you can.