Sochi 2014 draws to a close and Team GB bring home a fine collection of medals

It has been an exciting couple of weeks in Sochi for Team GB’s Paralympians. Although there may be some disappointment for Anna Turney, and frustration from Kelly Gallagher (following several crashes) there has been the elation of three silvers and a bronze of Jade Etherington (and her guide Caroline Powell) as well as a bronze for the Wheelchair Curling Team and of course the historic gold medal for Kelly Gallagher.

With 6 medals to bring home this has been an overwhelming success for Team GB, finishing 10th on the medal table above countries better known for their Winter Sports prowess (Norway and Switzerland to name but two).

But what does this mean for the future. Well calls for more funding for Disability Winter Sports have already been made, there are hopes that Disability Sport UK will be able to benefit from the performances of Team GB in Sochi. Recognition should also go to programs such as Back Up and Battle Back which have provided routes into the sport for athletes following major spinal injury.

A final look to the future, because Team GB is very conscious of nurturing future talent, as shown by their selection of Millie Knight to carry the flag at the opening ceremony. There have been promising results from Millie, James Whitley and Ben Sneesby during the last couple of weeks, and with the desired boost in funding for Winter Sports it is hoped that there may be more gold on the horizon in South Korea in 2018.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *