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ITN Source
FRANCE: SKIING - Blind British skier Kevin Alderton sets downhill speed skiing world record for a blind person
FRANCE: SKIING - Blind British skier Kevin Alderton sets downhill speed skiing world record for a blind person
A former British soldier set a new downhill speed skiing record by a blind person of 162.45 kilometres per hour (100.94 mph) in France on Friday (April 14). Kevin Alderton, aged 34, from Dartford, Kent, set the record at Les Arcs on what is known as the Flying Kilometre. He was guided on the slope through radio speakers in his helmet by coach Norman Clarke. Afterwards, Alderton said the sensation had been amazing and his feat showed that disability is no barrier to achievement. He said he hoped that his achievement would inspire others to try things they might not normally do. Prior to the record-breaking attempt, Alderton had said that anyone would have to have a "streak of lunacy" to attempt such feat. Known as 'Cannonball', Alderton was a keen skier before being attacked in London eight years ago when he tried to protect a woman who was being assaulted. He was left with four percent vision when his eyes were gouged. Alderton has been selected for the Great Britain Adaptive Ski Team Development Squad and also hopes to compete in the 2008 World Championships and the 2010 Paralympics. A quirky story.
ITN Source | April 16, 2006
