Team Athletes
Chemmy Alcott
Ski, UK
Chemmy is the current British No 1 alpine skier and the only British woman currently competing in World Cup events. She is also the first British woman to qualify for and race in a World Cup final. Chemmy started skiing as a toddler - 18 months old. "My competitive urge was clear to be seen as I tried to ski and keep up with my older brothers. In the beginning of my racing, girls and boys competed together; no boy was going to beat me!!" says Chemmy
Having had her fare share of injuries, Chemmy knows what she is talking about when it comes to protection. At age 12 she broke her neck in a skiing accident, recovering with two of her vertebrae fused together
About
Nick Name:
Chemmy (my real name is Chimene, named after Sophia Loren's character in the movie El Cid!)
Date of Birth:
10/07/82
Height:
170cm
Weight:
69kg
Residence:
Twickenham (just outside London)
Marital status:
Single
Major interest/hobby apart from skiing or other sports:
Love sports, am uber competitive!! Julia (Mancuso) got me into surfing and my boyfriend used to be a tennis player so now he is my coach! I also love dancing!!!
Other sports:
Everything and Anything!!
What, in your life is most awarding:
Enjoying living in the moment, not being stuck in the past or wishing for the future!
What gives you energy and lets you think about other things than skiing:
Skiing is a big part of my life but it is not all my life! If I have a tough day on the hill I try and leave that bad mood on the snow and enjoy the rest of the day!
What do you do to unwind:
love massages!! Doesn't everyone!! Chilling to groovy music, eating sushi, watching movies, playing Guitar Hero!
Best idea of having good time:
Floating on top of the sweet powder then having a dip in the ocean - bliss!!
Favourite reading:
I try to read trashy, easy to read summer beach books and then something more intellectually stimulating. I love athlete autobiographies too!! Finding out what it takes to become a real champion and trying to emulate that!
Favourite food:
Thai and sushi and my brother's Banofee pie (but it is very naughty so I try not to eat it often!!)
Favourite music:
I get a lot of stick for liking cheesy pop music but I think that everyone secretly likes it I am just confident enough to admit it!
Favourite place to travel to:
Bali, Belize, Brighton!! I love travelling!
What is your favourite city to visit and why:
Actually I really love London - you can find everything there. I know it is not cheap but it is a lot of fun!
Favourite spots and resorts for skiing:
Whistler is great - masses and masses of terrain and great skiing. Oh and our Olympic hill is pretty cool too!
Where do you preferably spend your time off:
At the beach!!
Skiing since:
18 months old!
What started you skiing:
My elder brothers were already skiing Gods so I just followed them!
Best part of skiing:
Watching the sunrise reflect of the pristine piste knowing soon it will just be you and the mountain!
Hardest part:
The cold!!!
Weakness:
Controlling expectation - being able to go out there and just do what you love and do it well!
Most important people in your life and career:
My mother Eve who passed away two years ago but who follows and protects me every day!!
Worst moment in career:
Breaking my neck when I was 11!
Best moment in career:
Coming 11th in Turin Olympics in the DH in front of my whole family.(Being 3rd until penultimate split showed me what i am capable of!)
General career goals:
To stand on top of the podium at the Olympics and hear the British National Anthem blaring!! YESSSS
Most respected skiers:
Julia Mancuso - it sounds silly as she is a good buddy but she has a great attitude and some sweet turns! Didier Cuche on the men's side has a great work ethic - what a pocket rocket!
Other most respected athletes:
Phelps - I mean what an inspiration and GB's cyclist Chris Hoy!
Advice to beginners:
Persevere - it is not the easiest sport but once you get the hang of it - it is the Best!!
A training week:
A lot of hours spent lifting in the gym complimented by hours on the bike and rollerblading and core crunching mixed with movement training! Oh and some Bikram yoga yehah!!
Training 'secret':
It wouldn't be a secret if i told you! But I guess for me it is about understanding why I am doing things and coming to love doing them!
Occupation If I was not a professional skier:
I think with the amount of energy I have I would definitely have to channel that towards something productive - so I would be a sportsperson of some kind! But I also love to presenting so maybe that would be my calling!
