Four-time Paralympic medallist Millie Knight announces retirement from skiing – ‘A sense of peace and optimism’

Millie Knight, one of Team GB’s most decorated Paralympic skiers, has announced her retirement from the sport.

The 24-year-old ends an alpine career which yielded two silver medals and a bronze at Pyeongchang in 2018, followed with a bronze in Beijing four years later.

She appeared in three Winter Paralympic Games, after making her debut at Sochi 2014 at the age of 15.

Knight also won downhill gold at the World Championships in 2017, and followed that up with combined gold five years later.

These achievements are all the more remarkable considering how she dealt with several concussions after a number of career-threatening crashes.

Knight became partially blind after suffering an infection as a six-year-old, but would fall in love with skiing, and started to train properly in 2012.

Now she will turn her attention to another passion, karate, and will make her world championship debut for England, with the tournament running between October 24 and 29.

“Looking back at my skiing journey, it’s almost overwhelming, from my early days on the British team to winning four Paralympic medals with Brett [Wild, her guide].

“Becoming GB’s first snowsport world champions in 2017 was an incredible achievement, one I wish I could remember more vividly but my memory was affected by a concussion.

“Winning our first-ever Paralympic medal was the most sensational feeling and one I will cherish forever. Going on to win two more medals was far beyond our wildest expectations.

“Turning a disappointing fourth-place finish in training to a bronze medal the following day in the downhill in Beijing was an unbelievable and perfect way to end my career.”

Her guide Brett Wild played a part in all of her medal successes, and she admits that his decision to retire last year proved to be a telling factor in calling it a day.

“Brett’s retirement was devastating as we had an incredible seven years skiing together and built up the most fantastic partnership and one that would be difficult to replace,” said Knight.

“The idea of finding a new guide was daunting, and I’ve also had my share of crashes, which take their toll physically and mentally.

“I want to end my skiing career on a high note and on my terms.”

Meanwhile, GB Snowsport head coach Pat Sharples paid a glowing tribute to Knight.

“When I think of what Millie’s achieved in her career, the impact she’s had on the sport, and what she’s meant to GB Snowsport, it’s absolutely sensational,” said Sharples.

“From her Paralympic medals and World Championship achievements to her amazing World Cup record, Millie has come about as close as you can get to completing the sport, and in doing so she’s really shown the way for the next generation of Para-alpine skiers.

“We’ll all miss Millie hugely, but it’s clear how much passion karate has ignited within her. They’ve got a wonderful athlete, and maybe more importantly a wonderful person on their hands.”