It’s widely regarded that skiers need to have a lust for life and former British alpine skier Chemmy Alcott is a prime example. On the slopes, Alcott broke plenty of records along with bones, and since her retirement, her life seems to have been just as hectic as her time competing against the world’s best at events across the globe.
Alcott took part in the Alpine World Cup. Her best performances came in 2007 and 2010, where she finished 32nd. She also competed at four Winter Olympic Games and six World Championships. At the peak of her career, Alcott was ranked 8th in the world.
Competing at the Olympic Games
For any athlete, competing in the Olympic Games is the pinnacle of their career. Chemmy Alcott was no different, and although she never won a medal in the four times she competed, she can still proudly call herself an Olympian.
The next Winter Olympics will be in Italy in 2026. Before that, the Summer Olympic Games will be taking place in France in 2024. In the betting to win the most gold medals in France, the USA is the favourite at 1/7 in the latest betting odds online while Great Britain stands at 40/1 at the time of writing. It’s best to check out sports betting guides for more general wagering information on the different sports that take place at the Games.
An Eventful Life
Chemmy Alcott has had an equally eventful life, before, and since her retirement in 2014. Even before she had decided to call it a day on the slopes, Alcott had achieved plenty away from the slopes, including dipping her toe into the world of television.
In 2008, she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro alongside fellow ski racers Mark Weaver, Julia Mancuso and Laurenne Ross. And in 2009 while out injured, Alcott co-commentated on the women’s World Cup in a guest capacity for Eurosport.
Alcott’s off-piste exploits raised her profile which led to a 2012 appearance on the ITV show Dancing on Ice. Highlighting her competitive spirit, Alcott eventually finished fifth.
She also took part in the 100-mile road race in London in 2014, a two-day bike race, alongside fellow Olympians Laura Trott and Bradley Wiggins. In 2015, Alcott completed probably her biggest-ever challenge by finishing the 160km Arctic Circle Race, also known as the World’s Toughest Ski Race, in Greenland.
A Force for Good
Chemmy Alcott continues to be a force for good and an inspiration for women across the country. She has created the ‘X-Elle’ scheme, designed to help others develop confidence through sports, and she also runs her own podcast, enlightening listeners with her own experiences from her career.
Throughout her time skiing, Alcott is said to have broken 47 bones, ultimately leading to her retirement. But she has never let any of that stop her from achieving anything.
Furthermore, a lot of her exploits are done in the name of charity. The climbing of Mount Kilimanjaro, the 100-mile road race and the 160km Article Circle have raised over £800,000 for good causes.
These days, Alcott can be found presenting the BBC’s long-running Ski Sunday programme alongside Ed Leigh. As tough as that probably is, it sounds benign next to most of her other achievements.