EPISODE 514: Chemmy Alcott
From 49 Broken Bones to 4-Time Olympic Skiing Legend
EPISODE SUMMARY
With her fearless attitude, determination, 49 broken bones, and numerous surgeries under her belt, she has not only conquered the slopes but also paved the way for women in skiing.
As a four-time Winter Olympian, BBC Ski Sunday Presenter, Inspiration Speaker, and Ski Coach, Chemmy Alcott's journey to success is nothing short of inspiring. Despite numerous injuries and setbacks, she refused to give up and continued to push herself to be the best she could be. Chemmy knows firsthand the physical and mental toll of competing at the highest level.
Her sheer grit and perseverance have earned her a reputation as one of the most resilient athletes in the sport of skiing. Through her experiences, Alcott has also become a powerful advocate for the importance of mental toughness and resilience, both on and off the slopes.
Despite retiring from competitive skiing, Alcott continues to inspire and motivate others through her coaching and mentoring work. She is a true role model for anyone who has faced adversity, showing that with hard work and determination, it is possible to overcome even the greatest obstacles and achieve great success.
KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED
Overcoming Physical and Mental Challenges: Chemmy Alcott shares her journey of dealing with severe physical injuries, including a fused neck and a broken leg. She discusses her use of CBD and ice therapy to manage pain and recovery. Chemmy also opens up about her fear of underperforming due to fear of failure and how embracing risks led to her historic victory in the World Cup.
The Importance of Taking Risks and Learning from Failure: Chemmy emphasizes the necessity of taking risks for personal growth. She talks about her willingness to face new challenges, even if they may result in failure, as a way to teach her children the value of resilience. Chemmy believes that staying comfortable can hinder progress and that embracing fear is crucial for achieving success and overcoming challenges.
Post-Retirement Ventures and Teaching Confidence: After retiring from professional skiing, Chemmy found coaching unfulfilling in her desire to impact young people. Instead, she and her husband started a business focused on using skiing to teach confidence. Chemmy expresses pride in her injuries and scars, viewing them as symbols of her past experiences and the challenges she has overcome.
ABOUT THE GUEST
Chemmy Alcott is a four-time Winter Olympian who represented Team GB in alpine skiing, achieving a world ranking as high as 8th and becoming the first British ski racer to win a run in the World Cup. With a 20-year sporting career, Chemmy retired after the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics but has continued to challenge herself in various extreme sports and endurance events.
Since retiring, Chemmy has taken on roles as a TV presenter, including leading the BBC’s Ski Sunday show and fronting the BBC's Olympic coverage. As an inspirational speaker and event host, she shares her story of overcoming adversity, having endured 49 broken bones, including serious neck and leg injuries. Chemmy is also dedicated to empowering young girls through her initiative, X-Elle, and supports Right To Play as an ambassador and board member. Passionate about sustainability, she actively promotes eco-friendly choices in her daily life and professional endeavors.
