anna - turney
paralympic alpine skier
What was your sport and how did you get into it?
I had always dreamed of playing professional sport but when I was 26, I became paralysed whilst snowboard racing. I couldn’t imagine how I would enjoy my life as a wheelchair user. Discovering that you can still ski gave me a positive goal. I loved the sport and the opportunity to train with the GB squad was exciting if challenging!
Tell us about the highlights of your sporting career?
Vancouver 2010 was really fun, wearing the GB kit and skiing well, only four years after I had lay in a hospital bed knowing I’d never snowboard again. Winning my World Cup speed medals were awesome too, racing downhill at 70mph is adrenaline fuelled!
What were some of the challenges you experienced and how did you overcome them?
My mnemonic, Dream, Team and Routine has got me through everything so far.
Becoming paralysed was an obvious challenge which was completely life changing. But I had the dream of ski racing, wonderful support from my family and friends, and lived with my Mum who pushed me to build an effective routine (eating well, getting out, training, keep in touch with friends etc.) and managing my mental health.
Finishing 4th in Sochi was tough, almost as tough as becoming paralysed. I became depressed, but I had great support from my husband and family, as well as the Trust athlete mentors who understood what I was going through. Being kind to yourself is really important but is something I struggled with at the time. I retired from sport and lost my ‘dream’ or purpose, but I worked on my wellbeing with regular yoga, exercise and spending time with my ‘team’. I built up my business and now have children too.
What have been your highlights while working at the Trust?
Working and training together with other athletes was particularly motivating in the beginning, even if I’ve questioned whether I could ever be as good as them! Now I love figuring out ways to help young people grow and seeing them grow in confidence and take positive steps to planning for their futures.
What do you do now alongside working for the Trust?
I do quite a bit of inspirational speaking and executive coaching to help leaders build high performing teams.
What life advice would you give a young person?
Aim high, dare to take opportunities and try new thing. What’s the best that could happen?!
What experience do you have of working with corporate organisations?
I have delivered inspirational talks on a range of topics including: learning business lessons from sport; diversity and inclusion; resilience / overcoming adversity /success after trauma; teamwork; mindset; and leadership. I have delivered these to a wide range of corporate clients such as GSK, Deloite, RSA, Natwest, BP, National Grid, Lloyds banking group and various law firms and groups including Bolt Burdon Kemp, Phoenix Group, Canopius, Biomet Master Fracture forum.
What does Being Me mean to you?
I believe everyone has the potential to lead a fulfilling life. For me Being Me is about embracing the adventure of life; doing what I love with the people I love. It takes courage but if you find a way to be true to yourself, life is more fulfilling, more fun. What really matters to you? How do you want to feel when you look back on life?
Moving, learning, loving, giving, together. Trying to take notice and having fun!
Embracing the adventure of life along with the negative self-talk and the bits I don’t like.
If you believe you have this one body and mind for life, how do you want to look after it? I know to be happy I need to get outdoors, to move, to love nature with my loved ones.
Daring to embrace life. To give it your all, and having the courage to share.
Competitive Record
2014
Winter Paralympics Sochi: 4th (Super G), 6th (Slalom), 8th (Giant Slalom)
World Cup: 2x Silver, 2x Bronze
North America Cup: Gold, 3x Silver
Europa Cup: 3rd overall (7x bronze)
2013
World Cup: 2x Bronze
World Championships Sestriere, Italy: 4th (Giant Slalom)
Europa Cup 2013: 4th overall (silver, 2x bronze)
2012
Europa Cup: 1 silver, 6 bronze
2011
Europa Cup: silver, 3 bronze
2010
Winter Paralympics, Vancouver: 6th (Slalom)
Europa Cup: bronze
North America Cup: 2x Silver
2009
2009 - World Championships Korea: 4th (Slalom)
London Triathlon (sprint, finished)
2008
The Brits (British Snowboard Championships)
Boarder Cross DNF (Time Trial: 2nd)
