Brett’s ski success at Winter Games
Fintry man’s Paralympian role is big honour
A Fintry ski enthusiast has fulfilled a dream of competing for his country at the Winter Paralympic Games in South Korea.
Twenty-five-year-old Brett Wild was on secondment working as a sighted guide for visually impaired skier Millie Knight (19).
The duo were at Fintry Primary School last week as part of an adventure walk to raise money for Sport Relief.
Royal Navy submariner Brett and Millie are currently World Para Alpine Downhill Champions, having secured gold at the World Championship in Italy in 2017.
They secured two silver medals and one bronze medal at the Winter Paralympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
Brett, whose father managed the Glasgow Ski Centre, said: “Skiing has always been a huge part of my life. My mum and dad got me on the slopes at an early age and I competed for Scotland before going to university aged 18.
“I studied for a year before joining the Royal Navy and never thought I would race competitively again. I loved the sport but it’s tough to make it into a profession. People within the Navy knew I loved skiing and in March 2016 I received an approach from a British Parasnowsport coach asking if I would try out as a guide for a blind ski racer.
“It’s something I’d never even considered before but I thought why not?”
Millie said Brett’s assistance in leading her safely down the slopes is crucial. She added: “Not only does Brett guide me, he pushes me too. He comes from a ski racing background, so like me he’s competitive.
“The relationship we have is essential for success and we both share the same ambitions.”
In addition to their Paralympic success, Millie and Brett also won silver medals in the Super Combined and Giant Slalom events at the World Para Alpine Championships, in a season which saw them secure a further eleven medals on the World Cup Circuit, including seven golds.
Brett added: “Millie is an inspiration and having the opportunity to ski with her, train with her and compete with her is a real privilege.
“I never thought I would have the opportunity to compete at the winter games and to have the opportunity to represent my country and the Royal Navy is the greatest honour I can imagine.”
Millie is an inspiration and having the opportunity to ski with her is a privilege