It All Starts at Home… Andrew Simpson, GB Snowsport Para Alpine Guide

Throughout the 2021/22 Season, GB Snowsport and Redrow will be finding out where it all began for some of Britain’s top athletes and coaches as they prepare for and compete in one of the biggest snowsport seasons in recent memory.

ANDREW SIMPSON IS A FULL TIME PARA ALPINE GUIDE FOR GB SNOWSPORT, CURRENTLY GUIDING his brother Neil Simpson

I was born in… Aberdeen in March 2000

I got into skiing… at an age of 5 at Aberdeen Snowsport Centre, close to my home. Unfortunately, I managed to break my arm during the first block of lessons but recovered quickly after only 6 weeks!

I started my skiing career… with a local race club called Gordon Skiers training at Alford on a dry slope

I started my career as a guide… when my brother (Neil Simpson) was classified for VI skiing

I also work… with Neil and our dad on our family business when we are at home

I felt the proudest when… we managed to get our first World Cup podium after a long chase. Shortly after we won our first podium, we topped the excitement with our first World Cup gold medal

I am also proud of… my achievements outside of skiing in other sports, especially sailing, as well as getting into university

When I am travelling I most miss… the comfort of my own bed and my family

I enjoy… the company of my brother and staying in touch with my family while traveling the World Cup circuit

I am grateful for… the opportunity to compete for GB Snowsport. A positive team environment and excellent coaching has allowed us to achieve outstanding results

I stay well rested by… having a dark and quiet room with a comfortable pillow. I am also a fan of homely comfort foods; you can’t beat a freshly cooked batch of lasagne!

I consider… Ted Ligety and Lindsey Vonn as my biggest role models and inspiration while growing up, and recently it has been a pleasure and motivation to watch British athletes like Dave Ryding and Alex Tilley achieve such amazing results

I am also thankful… to our parents for being supportive throughout our journey as we would not be able to achieve this without them

I stayed fit during lockdown… by managing to order equipment just before lockdown started. A squat rack and weights have managed to keep us both fit and training as normal

I enjoy… spending time with our dog after getting back home. As they say, “home is where the heart is”, for me this translates to spending time with my family

I relax the most when… I am in my room listening to music

I like to hang… pictures of us from our travels and races as a home décor in our house

I think… that training with my brother has certainly strengthened our bond and taught us how to work closely together. We used to be very competitive when we were younger but now we have learned how to bring the best out of each other

My advice for young athletes is… join your local race club and be consistent. Joining your local club will provide loads of fun racing opportunities to test your abilities