From Olympic Slopes to BBC Studios: Chemmy Alcott's New Chapter
Former Team GB alpine skiing star Chemmy Alcott has candidly shared insights about her evolving relationship with broadcasting legend Clare Balding, as she establishes herself as a prominent BBC Sport pundit. The 43-year-old athlete, who competed in four Winter Olympics before retiring in 2014, has seamlessly transitioned into television, covering her third Winter Games as a broadcaster this year.
A Friendship Forged in the Fires of Live Television
Alcott revealed that while the nerves she experiences before going live on air mirror those she felt at the starting gate of a ski race, having Balding by her side has transformed the experience. "When we're going live on TV and you hear the countdown, there are butterflies in the tummy," Alcott told The Sun. "You get those same butterflies in the starting gate, ready to go racing at 80mph with loads of G-force down a mountain."
She emphasized the parallel between athletic and broadcasting pressures: "It's live. Anything can go wrong or you can have the ride of your life. These are all the same attributes I had to deal with as an athlete... except now I'm doing it next to Clare Balding."
Professional Partnership Blossoms into Personal Bond
What began as an interviewer-interviewee dynamic during Alcott's competitive peak has matured into a genuine friendship. "She's an icon and, I'm proud to say, a good friend," Alcott stated. "So to be working with her on TV is always a 'pinch me' moment." The former skier acknowledged Balding's significant role in her broadcasting success, previously expressing on The Ski Podcast that she "owed Clare so much" for facilitating her career transition.
Their chemistry extends beyond professional duties, with Alcott noting their shared enthusiasm for television shows like The Traitors. "I'm just hoping that Clare and I don't talk about The Traitors the whole time because we absolutely loved it. I became obsessed," she joked, highlighting the personal dimension of their relationship.
Overcoming Challenges and Maintaining Competitive Edge
Alcott's move to broadcasting wasn't without its hurdles. Forced to retire from skiing after breaking her leg for the third time in four years, she faced new challenges, including a reprimand from the BBC over her choice of attire. Yet, she has proven a natural in front of the camera, maintaining her connections to the skiing world while developing her media skills.
The former champion maintains her competitive spirit: "I am a competitor. I still want to progress myself, whether that's on the slopes, in the studio," she explained. "I want to get positive critique. I want to get better. It's a great honour in a different way to be at these Olympics."
Looking ahead, Alcott plans to further blend their professional and personal worlds by getting Balding back on skis. "Working with Clare is great. We just click. I'm going to get her out skiing again, as I'm going to give her some tips," she revealed, underscoring the mutual respect and camaraderie that defines their partnership.
