Chemmy Alcott: From Olympic Slopes to Milano Cortina 2026
London, 7 February 2026 – Chemmy Alcott, the four-time Winter Olympian and Britain’s most successful female alpine skier, has taken a central role in the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games. Following the official opening of the games in Northern Italy, Alcott is serving as a lead pundit and presenter for the BBC and TNT Sports, providing expert analysis on the alpine skiing events. Her transition from the professional circuit to broadcasting continues to solidify her status as the face of British winter sports.
Milano Cortina 2026: Expert Analysis
As the games commence, Alcott has been vocal about Great Britain’s prospects, stating that the current squad possesses the talent to secure multiple medals in Italy. During the Men’s Downhill coverage on 7 February 2026, she described the course as “long and gnarly,” highlighting the physical demands placed on the athletes. Alcott is currently co-hosting the BBC’s coverage alongside Clare Balding and Lizzy Yarnold, bringing her experience from four consecutive Olympic appearances (Salt Lake City, Turin, Vancouver, and Sochi) to the commentary box.
Health Advocacy and Public Campaigns
Beyond the slopes of Milano Cortina, Alcott has recently partnered with the NHS to support a campaign aimed at protecting Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments. Drawing on her own history of severe injuries—including a career-threatening leg fracture that nearly led to amputation in 2014—she is using her platform to educate the public on the appropriate use of emergency services. Alcott revealed that the medical warnings regarding her leg were a primary factor in her decision to retire from professional racing following the Sochi 2014 Games.
Career Achievements and Key Facts
Chemmy Alcott remains the only British female skier to ever win a run in a World Cup (Sölden, 2008). Her career is defined by her dominance in the British National Championships and her resilience through multiple leg breaks and surgeries.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Olympic Appearances | 4 (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014) |
| British National Titles | 7-time Overall Champion |
| World Cup Milestone | Only British woman to win a World Cup run (GS Sölden 2008) |
| Current Role | BBC Ski Sunday Presenter & Olympic Pundit |
| Career High World Ranking | 8th |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Chemmy Alcott retire from professional skiing?
Alcott retired in 2014 following the Sochi Winter Olympics. She recently disclosed that doctors warned her that continued high-impact racing could lead to the amputation of her leg due to the cumulative damage from previous breaks and surgeries.
What is her role at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
She is a lead presenter and expert analyst for the BBC and TNT Sports, providing commentary on alpine skiing and participating in the daily Olympic output alongside Clare Balding.
How many gold medals did she win at the British National Championships?
Throughout her senior career, Alcott won a total of 37 gold medals at the Senior British National Alpine Ski Championships across various disciplines.