Chemmy Alcott’s hopes of being selected in the Great Britain team for Sochi hang in the balance after her comeback race was cancelled due to bad weather, although the skier insists she can still be competitive.
Alcott was aiming to prove her fitness at the Cortina D’Ampezzo World Cup in Italy after only returning to the slopes in December following a broken leg.
Adverse weather and soft snow had postponed the downhill event until Sunday but with conditions not clearing, race organisers were forced to cancel the competition altogether.
It came as something of a blow to the three-times Winter Olympian with Sunday the last time for her to show British selectors, due to announce the Winter Olympic team for Sochi on Wednesday, that she was race-fit.
"The disappointment of not having the chance to race this weekend is tough anyway but to know that these were the only chance for me to show my form is really frustrating,” said the 31-year-old alpine skier.
"No athlete on the start list wanted to race more than me. Even though the conditions would have been brutal for the later racers I was willing to push myself.
"I am a veteran of three Olympics and I committed my everything four years ago to represent my country in Sochi.
“The preparation has been far from ideal but I have shown in the past how quickly I can get back to race ready."
Alcott competed in the second-tier Europa Cup competition in Austria earlier this month, finishing 91st in what was meant to be a gentle test of her leg ahead of what was meant to be her World Cup return.
Following the cancellation of the event, the British Ski and Snowboard Federation explained Alcott would still be under consideration.
“The cancellation of the World Cup in Italy won't mean she isn't considered for selection,” said the statement.
"The selectors will look at current form - which will consist of a mix of racing in the Europa Cup last week and conversations with Chemmy, her team and coach.
"She has the Olympic Qualification Standard [OQS] but it is now about being able to prove she is fit enough to compete at the same level as she did before her injury."
© Sportsbeat 2014