Paralympic Skier Hester Poole Achieves Remarkable Double: Cambridge Offer and Games Selection
Hester Poole, an 18-year-old visually impaired para-alpine skier from Bath, has always possessed the "audacity to dream big." However, even she might have found it challenging to envision securing both a Paralympics call-up and an offer from the University of Cambridge within a single month.
A Month of Milestones
Poole discovered she had been selected to represent ParalympicsGB at the Milano Cortina Paralympics in February, just three weeks before the Opening Ceremony. This thrilling news arrived a mere fortnight after she received an offer to study English Literature at the University of Cambridge.
"It's been a nail-biting wait, but it feels all the sweeter for it. It hasn't quite sunk in yet," Poole admitted. She has been juggling A-level revision and university applications while competing on the demanding World Cup skiing circuit.
Balancing Academics and Elite Sport
Poole, who attended King Edward's School in Bath, credits her unwavering determination and support network for her success. "I had the audacity to dream big from a very young age. I was always a little weirdo and decided I'm going to go to Cambridge at eight years old," she recalled.
"That's definitely been a dream at the same time as the skiing dream. I'm quite pleased that I've managed to keep them parallel. It's all come together in quite a nice way."
She expressed immense gratitude to her teachers and support system, who have accommodated her demanding schedule. "I really have to applaud my support network and my teachers, who have rolled their eyes and accepted my half-finished essay plans instead of the essays they've asked for over the past four years."
Poole acknowledged the significant challenges of balancing elite sport with academic pursuits. "I can't lie and say it's been easy. Every athlete knows the struggle of trying to balance sport with whatever it is. It's been a challenge."
Paralympic Debut and Inspiration
Poole will make her Paralympic debut on the Italian slopes of Cortina D'Ampezzo alongside her guide, Ali Hall. Hall, who is currently studying psychology at the University of Edinburgh, understands the juggling act required to excel in both sport and studies.
Born with a congenital condition that left her retinas underdeveloped, Poole has holes in her vision that her brain actively works to fill in. Her inspiration to pursue para-alpine skiing at the highest level came from watching Kelly Gallagher, who now coaches her, win Britain's first-ever Paralympic gold at the Sochi 2014 Games.
"I was already training at a baby race club in the Mendips, but that really lit the fire and catalysed it," Poole recalled. "Since then, it's just become something that is possible. I was picked up on the radar of GB aged 12, and it's just been ramping up."
Ambassadorial Work and Future Aspirations
Beyond her athletic and academic achievements, Poole serves as an ambassador for Guide Dogs for the Blind and Ethiopia Aid. She is passionate about using her platform to create opportunities for others.
"It all comes down to opportunity and choice," she explained. "Especially Ethiopia Aid, they support children with sight loss in Ethiopia, as well as other charities to do with domestic violence. It's all about creating opportunities and giving people the choice and the knowledge that they can do what they want with their life."
Poole's philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that academics and sport are complementary gateways to a fulfilling life. "It's been ingrained in me from a young age that academics is the gateway to everything else, and I bring that ethos into sport as well. So it's just letting people know that their life is theirs, and they can do what they like with it."
Focusing on the Experience
After managing the stress of her dual commitments and ambassadorial duties, Poole plans to approach her first Paralympics with a focus on enjoyment and experience.
"This season we've tried out lots of different approaches to races, and I've figured out that when I put expectation on myself, I tend to fall at the start gate," she shared.
"Obviously, I'm representing my country, so I'd like to put down some decent runs, but it's a sport I enjoy, and I do it because I love it, so it's about the experience. I get to miss an A-Level mock too, but I'm looking forward to getting some decent carbs and just soaking in the experience."
