British skier Slegg savoring 'dream' Beijing journey

Braving windy conditions, Alex Slegg of Britain finished his slalom and giant slalom training at the National Alpine Skiing Centre in Yanqing on Wednesday.

"This is my first Paralympic Games and a top-10-finish for me would be fantastic," Slegg told Xinhua.

In 2013, the former soldier lost the use of his right leg due to an injury sustained while serving in the British Army.

"They have a program to teach wounded soldiers to ski again. They taught me how to ski and then one thing led to another, now I am here, living a dream," the 30-year-old said.

After joining Britain's Armed Forces Para Snowsport Team in 2017, Slegg set his sights on competing at the Beijing Paralympic Winter Games.

He entered his first international race in 2018, and the medals have stacked up since as he ascended the rankings.

However, he said securing his berth for the Beijing Paralympics was by no means easy.

"It is hard and there is an international standard you have to meet, and my own country Britain has its own higher standard again that you have to meet.

"It has been very full-on over the last three years trying to get here. I just made it on time."

Slegg was selected by his national team during the ongoing 2021-2022 season, a feat he describes as the proudest moment of his career.

This is the Briton's first visit to China, and his early impressions are overwhelmingly positive.

"Everyone I have met so far has been wonderful, really friendly. It would have been great if we could go out to see more of the country, but we appreciate what's going on, the closed loop was necessary. I will just have to come back again," Slegg said.

Despite relatively warm temperatures on the slopes of Yanqing over the last few days, Slegg described the quality of snow on his training course as "really good".

With the aim of hosting streamlined, safe and splendid Paralympic Winter Games, Beijing 2022 organizers have set up a barrier-free environment for the athletes.

"The facilities are brilliant, I haven't seen anyone having any problems," said Slegg.

Life in the Paralympic Village is also going smoothly for him.

"Your food is brilliant. Every day I can see lots of choices, and yet I don't think anyone had any issues with different diets," he said.

Slegg, who hails from the small English town of Amesbury, cites late Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna as his icon.

"His racing style, technical knowledge and exceptional skill made him an inspiration to millions around the world," he said.

Slegg is not a soccer fan, but says Leicester City's English Premier League title triumph in 2016, which defied preseason odds of 5000/1, is a source of inspiration for his own sporting challenge in Beijing.

"Alpine skiing has totally changed my life and given me a whole new purpose and direction," he said.

Xinhua