Millie Knight: Four-time Winter Paralympic medallist announces retirement aged 24
- Published
Knight (left) and Wild started working together in late 2015
Four-time Winter Paralympic skiing medallist Millie Knight has announced her retirement from the sport.
The 24-year-old, who is visually impaired, made her Paralympic debut in Sochi in 2014 aged 15.
She went on to win two silvers and a bronze at the Pyeongchang Games in 2018 and a bronze in Beijing in 2022, all with guide Brett Wild.
"It's not an easy decision, but one I've made with a sense of peace and optimism," said the Kent athlete.
Knight lost the majority of her sight due to an infection when she was aged six but discovered skiing shortly afterwards while on holiday in France and took up the sport seriously in 2012.
As well as her Paralympic successes, she also won World Championship downhill gold in 2017 and combined gold in 2022.
However, over her career she has also had to deal with a number of heavy crashes leading to multiple concussions which threatened her future in the sport.
In addition, Wild stepped away from the sport after Beijing to concentrate on his career with the Royal Navy.
After taking a year out due to a leg injury and Wild's retirement, Knight has focused on karate and will make her World Championship debut for England later this month.
Wild and Knight celebrate winning Paralympic silver in 2018
"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," she said.
"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.
"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.
"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."
GB Snowsport head coach, Pat Sharples, said: "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.
"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."
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