“Went in with clear game plan” – Neil Simpson and brother Andrew win super-G gold at Beijing Paralympics
Follow Us
Neil Simpson and brother Andrew
Great Britain’s Neil Simpson, guided by brother Andrew, 21, became his country’s third-ever Winter Paralympics gold medallist in Beijing. Moreover, he became the first male to achieve the feat after successes for Kelly Gallagher in 2014 and Menna Fitzpatrick in 2018.
The siblings finished 0.40 seconds ahead of Italy’s Giacomo Bertagnolli and his guide Andrea Ravelli. The GB”s star said it was “almost indescribable” after he put in the performance of his life to clinch the gold in the men’s visually-impaired super-G skiing event.
“We went in with a clear game plan and it worked out pretty well,” said the delighted teenager.
“We put it all down on the line and really went for it and I’m just very happy with the performance – it felt good.
“I could tell it was quick but I didn’t know how special it was. I’m just really thrilled, it’s not sunk in yet.
“Initially when we came down, there was a bit of an anxious wait. I wasn’t thinking about it being a winning performance, I was just thinking that it was a good run.
“Andrew was shouting and screaming. I said, ‘Yeah, maybe a podium’. It’s just that wait. It’s such a high – it’s almost indescribable,” he added.
“Growing up together makes this moment really special”
Simson’s glory marked the second medal of the day for Britain after alpine skier Menna Fitzpatrick and her guide Gary Smith took silver in the women’s race. The siblings have been skiing together since childhood and first represented their country together during the 2019-20 season.
“Growing up together, it just makes this moment really special,” added Neil, who was born with nystagmus, a condition that causes involuntary eye movements.
“For me, it definitely helps to have Andrew with me. You can be very clear and concise in what you want – even direct and blunt sometimes, so you can get feedback a lot easier.
“You don’t have to beat around the bush, so that definitely helps. We grew up together so we know what each other is thinking anyway.”
Stay Updated!
Sachin Arora
(2527 Articles Published)