Paralympic champion Neil Simpson is harnessing a unique three-person team dynamic as he prepares to chase further glory at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics. The visually impaired skier, who stunned the world with Super G gold in Beijing nearly four years ago, will compete in Italy with the support of not one, but two guides.
A Brotherly Bond and an Unexpected Setback
The 23-year-old from Banchory originally triumphed in China alongside his guide and brother, Andrew Simpson. However, their path to defending the title hit a major obstacle during training in Canada. Andrew suffered a broken leg after his skis caught on a transition between natural and man-made snow, an injury that ruled him out of the 2023 World Championships in Lleida, Spain.
Stepping into the breach, guide Rob Poth partnered with Neil Simpson, and the duo immediately found success, securing World Championship Super G gold. This victory proved the strength of their new partnership and added a prestigious title to Simpson's growing legacy.
Forging a Winning Trio for Italy
With Andrew regaining full fitness by late 2023, Simpson faced a pivotal decision. Rather than revert to a single guide, he opted for a strategic split, creating a formidable trio. Andrew will guide him in the speed events of Super G and downhill, while Rob Poth will take the helm for the technical disciplines of slalom and giant slalom.
"We've got a really close-knit group between the three of us which I find really helpful," Simpson explained. He believes this collaborative approach has elevated the entire team's performance. "When I race and train with Andrew, Rob is really supportive and vice versa. It has worked out well, and it has elevated the level that we are all at across the board."
Seamless Communication on the Slopes
For a visually impaired skier, the relationship and communication with a guide are paramount. Simpson has benefited from establishing a very similar operational system with both Poth and his brother. "Fortunately, Rob and I decided on a system that’s very similar to the one I have with Andrew," he said.
This consistency allows for smoother transitions between guides depending on the event. While there are minor tweaks in communication style, the core interaction on the slopes remains familiar, ensuring Simpson can focus entirely on his performance.
As the defending champion, Simpson knows he will have a target on his back when he arrives at the Olimpia delle Tofane slope in the Dolomites next March. However, his team's philosophy is centred on performance, not just outcomes. "Our targets are not related to any outcome-based goals - like medals or certain positions," he stated. "They are more to do with our performances since, ultimately, we can't control the forces of everyone else."
His approach mirrors the mindset that brought him gold and bronze in Beijing. If he and his guides execute to their peak, they are confident the results will follow, potentially adding more historic chapters to Britain's Winter Paralympic story.
