Menna Fitzpatrick targets Paralympic glory after ‘rollercoaster’ year
Great Britain’s most decorated Winter Paralympian Menna Fitzpatrick says reaching her third Games feels “really special” after overcoming significant injuries to compete in Milan-Cortina.
The 27-year-old Welsh skier faces the starting gate almost three months after sustaining a significant knee injury and just over a year after breaking her leg.
Fitzpatrick has been named as one of Great Britain’s flagbearers for Friday’s opening ceremony, alongside Scottish Para-Nordic skier Scott Meenagh.
“I’m definitely feeling the love and support from all the team around me,” Fitzpatrick said.
“I’ve got a lot more family and friends coming out so I’m really excited to get it under way.”
Flagbearer duties and recovery
Despite the honour of leading the delegation, the pair will not attend the event at the Verona Arena in person as they are scheduled to compete the following morning.
Instead, the duo will participate via a pre-recorded video sequence shown during the parade of nations alongside their team-mates.
Fitzpatrick admitted it was “crazy” to contemplate her third Paralympics, noting that reaching this stage carried extra significance due to her fitness battles over the past 12 months.
The six-time Paralympic medallist suffered a knee issue during training in December but declined surgery to ensure her participation in Italy.
“It’s definitely changed my approach,” she explained.
“After being injured it’s just getting your head down in the gym and getting in to the best possible shape I can.”
“I’ve had some really good training on snow in the last couple of weeks with my guide so actually it’s just changed the whole goal and actually being able to enjoy it, look at it and not put any pressure on ourselves.”
Communication is key
On the slopes, the vision-impaired skier relies on her guide, Katie Guest, to navigate the technical course at high speeds.
Although physically unattached, the pair maintain constant contact through a helmet communication system.
“She will ski the line in front of me, telling me exactly what’s coming up, what she’s doing with the skis and then a second later I basically try and copy that in the best possible way I can,” Fitzpatrick said.
With the opening race scheduled for Saturday, the athlete now has a brief window to acclimatise to the athletes’ village and the snow conditions.
Speaking about her family’s attendance, she added: “They’ll definitely be with me all the way, they’ve been really supportive over the last few years especially.”
“They love the viewing, watching the races and cheering me on so they’ll have a great time no matter what happens.”
