Cults skier Claire Robb has vowed to soak up every second of her Paralympic Games experience when she joins forces with Great Britain’s Kelly Gallagher in Vancouver.
The 22-year-old former Cults Academy student will act as an on-piste guide to visually-impaired Northern Irish skier Gallagher when the games start in Canada on Friday.
Robb, who learned the ropes at Aberdeen Ski Club, linked up with her 24-year-old partner only last August at a pre-season training camp in New Zealand. But the part-time ski coach insists the duo are happy to be the outsiders on the slopes of Whistler.
“Our strength is we just get on with each other and even though we haven’t been together very long we’re doing well together,” said Robb, who claimed giant slalom gold at New Zealand’s Winter Games last year. “I don’t think there is any pressure on us because it is Kelly’s first Paralympics and we are here for the experience.
“We know the people who we think we can beat and we know the ones who we probably can’t beat so we have our own expectations.
“I’m really excited about seeing the village and being at such a big event.
“It is quite a big commitment for someone to be an athlete’s guide because you have to dedicate your time to them.
“But going to the Paralympics makes it very worthwhile and it is a fantastic experience.
“I’m not going to be continuing as a guide after the Games.
“I need to go out and get a real job – so I just want to make the most of my time there.
“I enjoy being around skiing and I’d love to stay involved with it.
“But I’ll have to wait and see what happens after the Paralympics.”
Gallagher was the seventh and final skier to be added to Great Britain’s squad for the Vancouver Games after making her international debut only last year.
But with two-time Paralympian Russell Docker and Turin veteran Sean Rose in the squad, Robb expects the pair to be granted plenty of inside knowledge.
“There is so much experience in the squad who are going over to Vancouver and it is really great for us,” added Robb.
“Because the guys have been on the circuit for a while they introduce us to the other athletes and little things which make you feel at home.
“I’m sure it will be the same in Vancouver.
“Although they will all be focused on their events, they will help us to settle in.
“Our events are near the end of the competition so there is plenty of time for us to get used to our surroundings.
“Everybody has been so supportive of us – not just when they knew we were going to Vancouver. They have been supportive throughout.”
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