Menna Fitzpatrick says she finally banished her downhill demons after battling to a gutsy fifth-place finish on day one of the Winter Paralympic Games.
Fitzpatrick, who claimed a fabulous four medals at PyeongChang 2018 to emerge as one of the faces of the Games, got her Beijing campaign underway on Saturday with a rock-solid showing in her least favourite event.
The visually impaired star is a specialist in the shorter, more technical disciplines – she is the defending slalom champion – and has suffered from long-term confidence issues when it comes to navigating the more daring, near-vertical downhill slopes.
Compatriot Millie Knight banked bronze to claim Britain’s first medal of the Games but Fitzpatrick emerged proud after overcoming her fears alongside new guide Gary Smith in Yanqing.
The 23-year-old said: “In past, I’ve had some massive confidence issues with downhill.
“So to just be here in the start gate is a really massive barrier broken down – we were super happy we made it to the finish.
“I definitely wouldn’t have said downhill is anywhere near my favourite event.
“I was really pleased with how well we skied – it wasn’t quite as clean as the training runs but we were really happy to be here and to complete our first race together.
“I’m also super happy for Millie and Brett [Wild] winning bronze.”
Fitzpatrick was ParalympicsGB’s unequivocal superstar in South Korea as her tally of four medals – one gold, two silver and a bronze – hauled the British team to seven overall and their greatest Winter Games for 34 years.
But her preparations for Beijing have been hampered by a series of injuries and an 11th-hour change in guide on the eve of the Games.
Usual guide Katie Guest tested positive for Covid-19 meaning Smith had to step in at the last minute and form an instant connection with Fitzpatrick.
Guides have the crucial role of getting their skier down the mountain safely – and as quickly as possible – and Fitzpatrick, who goes again in the Super-G on Sunday, reckons they’ve hit it off immediately.
“Gary is such a skilled and confident guy,” added Fitzpatrick.
“He makes you feel calm and collected, which is helpful for speed and relaxes me. That’s exactly what you need.
“I’m now really looking forward to the Super-G.”
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