Skier Chemmy Alcott’s participation in this year’s Dancing on Ice has caused concern for her recovery over a serious ankle injury sustained in December 2010.
However, although she’s yet to return to snow training, the 28-year-old believes taking part in the show will not hinder her rehab, but instead aid her recovery.
“I understand some people may be confused at my participation on DOI 2012,” the skier commented in a response on her website (www.chemmyalcott.com).
“I am a rehabbing athlete who has NOT quit her first love skiing. After my horrendous crash last year ice skating is enabling me to find the link between my head and metal right leg. It is helping not hindering my rehab.”
Chemmy has been the number one British woman skier for a record seven years and the self-funded athlete remains hopeful that she can return to the top of her game and compete at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi - her fourth winter Olympics.
“My aims and goals haven’t changed,” she continued. “In fact they are stronger than ever!”
Although the British Ski and Snowboard chief executive Dave Edwards has said ice dancing is likely to present a risk to her recovery, he told BBC Sport that the risk is “surely no greater than a downhill?”
ITV’s ice dance entertainment show is to start on Sunday and will see Chemmy dance it out against the likes of actress Jennifer Ellison, Sugababe Heidi Range and free runner Sebastien Foucan.
Jessica Whittington, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
Image credit: Malcolm Carmichael
