tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28708400979461625582011-07-07T20:36:06.782-07:00SPIKED - Anna Turneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03183128047493383654noreply@blogger.comBlogger11100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870840097946162558.post-67814200292073346692010-05-13T03:40:00.000-07:002010-05-13T03:42:18.889-07:00Thank you Spiked for taking me on board, and for the most inspiring article anyone’s every written about me!<br />Four years ago I was in a hospital bed with broken back, fractured ribs, punctured lung, feeling miserable! Three years ago I tried monoskiing for the first time, it was pretty frustrating but I trained hard, spent all my money on it (and other people’s – thanks supporters!), came 4th in the World Championships and 6th in the slalom in the Paralympics. Focussing all my energy on monoski racing enabled me to piece my life back together.<br /><br />The Paralympic Games were a truly amazing experience. The build up to the games was intense; the media pressure, the desire to perform to the best of my ability, ultimately to win. Next time I will win, this was a stepping stone. It was the first time I’d heard huge crowds cheering as I came through the finish, the first time I’d been on Eurosport and live on the internet, the first time friends and family had watched me compete. I loved it!<br /><br />Unfortunately the weather played havoc, race schedules were changed, so rather than having 7days left to train before I competed I was told “You’re racing tomorrow”! I managed to hold it together for the Slalom and finished 6th, not a bad result for a first attempt.<br /><br />After a respectable first run in the Giant Slalom I was lying 7th. However, the fog came in, the desire to win took over, I pushed the limits – there’s a fine line between speed and control - and ended up crashing out of the 2nd run. At least I went for it and next time I’ll pull it off.<br /><br />For now I throw myself back into training for the 2011 World Champs. I’m busy doing motivational speaking at schools, events and businesses, as well as working on the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust, Young Leaders Programme. I’m looking forward to the 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia and see medals on the horizon!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2870840097946162558-6781420029207334669?l=getspikedannaturney.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>SPIKED - Anna Turneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03183128047493383654noreply@blogger.com0