Crawford to retire from skiing after Scottish Championships

A member of the British Ski Team for nine years, Crawford has been one of Great Britain's leading all round male alpine ski racers of recent times.

A British Champion 25 times, he achieved a career high of 54 in the world rankings and came 21st in the World Championships in Val D'Isere in 2009 at just 21 years of age.

Having missed out on selection for last year's Olympic Games in Sochi, Crawford, who is married to four-time retired Olympic skier Chemmy Alcott, announced last summer he was taking a break from the sport.

But having spent the last season coaching the British Disabled Ski Team, he has instead decided to make it permanent, opting tO concentrate on helping bring on the next generation of skiers.

His last competitive race will now be Thursday's Scottish Championships which take place at Nevis Range.

"Thank you so much to all the people who have helped, coached, sponsored and supported me over the years," wrote Crawford on his Facebook page.

"So many people have made a big difference to my ski career, but especially thanks to my family- Mike, Mum, Dad and Chem for everything you have done. I don't know how I can ever repay you.

"It has been a heck of a journey but I have decided to call time on my racing career.

"I'm sad to leave the sport having not achieved as much as I wanted to, especially to have never made an Olympics, but I am excited to find new challenges and to try to help the next generation of skiers to get the support they need to get to the top.

"Now time to get the race skis out for Thursday and Friday for the Scottish Champs at Nevis Range for what will be my last race!"

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