An evening with Paralympic Skiers, Menna & Katie

We recently welcomed Paralympic medallist Menna Fitzpatrick (MBE) and her guide Katie Guest, to a Profeet customer event, hosted by former Team GB downhill skier turned TV presenter, Chemmy Alcott.

Setting the scene

Menna Fitzpatrick (MBE) is a visually impaired ski racer and Britain’s most decorated winter Paralympian. She is supported in her endeavours by her talented ski guide partner, Katie Guest. Menna learned to ski at just 5 years old and made her senior international debut for Great Britain in 2012 – despite being blind in her left eye and having just 5% vision in her right eye. Her courage in the face of such a reduction of vision is remarkable. Can you imagine skiing blindfold? Or perhaps think of the worst whiteout conditions and trying to ski giant slalom at 88.7 Kmph! It makes you think…

Teamwork makes the dream work

Meanwhile, Katie had previously trained with GB Snowsports to competition standard, aiming for the top, but retired early to pursue a career in physiotherapy. She began skiing with Menna in more recent years, but narrowly missed the 2022 Beijing Olympics thanks to a positive Covid test – much to her frustration. (Menna was supported by Gary Smith during this event – as seen in the video above).

What is most fascinating is exactly how Katie manages to guide Menna, who is close on her heels, whilst travelling at phenomenal speeds. The answer lies in a synergistic relationship. Katie has learned to gauge Menna’s requirements at all times; training, cohabiting and – during competitions – rooming together. The pair have developed a close bond based on empathy, trust and incredible communication. When racing, Katie is skiing the course and then ‘reading it back to Menna,’ who is following on her tail with a time delay of a second or two. This means that Katie has to call out what Menna is about to ski rather than what she herself is skiing at that moment – and Menna has to 100% trust what her guide is telling her.

As Menna tells us, she hits a lot of posts during training, amongst other things. But there is no other way. It is an extraordinary blend of ‘blind’ faith and unwavering trust. Together, they really do make a formidable team, and I for one, will never watch Paralympic skiing again with the same eyes.

Get social at Profeet

Ski Sunday presenter Chemmy, our host for the evening, did a fine job of drawing both Menna and Katie out on what it takes to do what they do – and there were plenty of laughs along the way. Plus, the audience had the opportunity to ask the pair questions at the end, which made the event very interactive and engaging. With a choice of drinks and some scrummy food platters (courtesy of our sponsor, Salomon), the evening was a happy combination of entertainment, an opportunity to learn and share, accompanied by a glass of wine (or beverage of choice) and some fine fare.

Top left: Katie, Menna and Chemmy. Top right: Katie & Menna with Profeet’s Shula. Bottom left: hospitality! Bottom right: Paralympic Gold

A little more about Menna & Katie

Menna competed at the 2018 Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang in March 2018 with an earlier guide, Jennifer Kehoe, where they took four medals including a gold in the slalom.

New guide Katie joined Menna in 2021 and the pair went on to win slalom gold and Super combined silver at the delayed 2021 World Championships in Lillehammer, Norway. It is the ultimate in teamwork. A month later, Menna won super-G silver at the 2022 at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, followed by super combined bronze taking her her overall Paralympic medal tally to six.

Since then, many more medals have rolled in:

– 2nd World Cup DH St Moritz (16/12/23)
– 1st World Cup DH St Moritz (17/12/23)
– 1st FIS Super G Steinach (19/12/23)
– 1st FIS Super G Steinach (19/12/23)
– 1st World Cup DH Steinach (20/12/23)
– 1st World Cup DH Steinach (20/12/23)
– 4th World Cup GS Veysonnaz (22/01/24)
– 3rd World Cup GS Veysonnaz (23/01/24)
– 3rd World Cup Super G Veysonnaz (25/01/24)
– 1st FIS Super G Veysonnaz (26/01/24)
– 2nd FIS Super G Veysonnaz (26/01/24)
– 3rd World Cup DH Cortina (30/1/24)
– 3rd WC Super G Cortina (31/1/24)
– 2nd WC Slalom Cortina (2/2/24)

Preparing for the coming season

Menna sustained a leg fracture at the end of the 2024 season leading to a year of recovery and rehabilitation (aptly supported by physiotherapist Katie). She is now back on the snow and the pair are busy training for the coming winter season, so watch out for them in 2026!

Profeet – championing all aspects of skiing

Profeet is delighted to have hosted this event which celebrates the success of Paralympic skiers and diversity within the sport. We firmly believe in making skiing attainable and enjoyable for all. Our ski boot fitting ethos is all about finding the right solution for each individual, addressing any issues with comfort and performance – as well as aiming to help prevent injury.

Join our newsletter to be informed of future events.

Hosted by Chemmy Alcott
Sponsored by Salomon