Fitzpatrick eyes glory after 'rollercoaster' year

Welsh Para-alpine skier Menna Fitzpatrick says it feels "really special" to be at her third Winter Paralympic games after a "rollercoaster" of a year.

The 27-year-old is competing in Milan-Cortina almost three months after sustaining a significant knee injury and just over a year after breaking her leg.

Fitzpatrick, who is Great Britain's most decorated Winter Paralympian with six medals, will join Scottish Para-Nordic skier Scott Meenagh as Great Britain's flagbearers at the opening ceremony on Friday.

"I'm definitely feeling the love and support from all the team around me. I've got a lot more family and friends coming out so I'm really excited to get it under way," Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick and Meenagh will not be at the opening ceremony at the Verona Arena, as they are competing the following day.

But they will take part via a video sequence, along with their team-mates, to be shown as part of the parade.

Fitzpatrick said it was "crazy" to think it was her third Paralympics and that reaching this one had been made extra special because of her injury problems over the past 12 months.

She sustained a knee injury in training in December, but opted against surgery in a bid to compete at Milan-Cortina.

"It's definitely changed my approach. After being injured it's just getting your head down in the gym and getting in to the best possible shape I can.

"I've had some really good training on snow in the last couple of weeks with my guide so actually it's just changed the whole goal and actually being able to enjoy it, look at it and not put any pressure on ourselves," said Fitzpatrick.

The 27-year-old's guide is Katie Guest. The duo are not attached in any way, but are able to communicate via a communication system in their helmets.

"She will ski the line in front of me, telling me exactly what's coming up, what she's doing with the skis and then a second later I basically try and copy that in the best possible way I can," Fitzpatrick said.

She now has a few days to settle into the athletes' village and begin training on the course, leading up to the race on Saturday.

Speaking about her family, she added: "They'll definitely be with me all the way, they've been really supportive over the last few years especially.

"They love the viewing, watching the races and cheering me on so they'll have a great time no matter what happens."