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Kevin Alderton

Skiing

Kevin Alderton skiing

Born in Dartford on 7th August 1971, Kevin enjoyed an active childhood with his younger brother Mark. Kevin had developed a healthy liking for sport at an early age and regularly represented his school in sports including, Swimming, Football and Rugby. But it would soon become apparent that his love for skiing was one that would never leave him. At the age of 8 years old, Kevin took his first dry ski slope lesson at Woolwich Barracks Dry Ski Slope. His passion for the sport eventually led him to complete two weeks work experience at the centre and qualified as a dry slope instructor a few days before his sixteenth birthday.

Having left school, Kevin decided on a career with the British Army, where he spent twelve happy years, and reached the rank of Sergeant. Whilst serving, Kevin saw an opportunity to qualify as a Military Ski Instructor, whilst also representing his unit in various Alpine Skiing events with both his unit and divisions alpine race teams.


Kevin Alderton Photo Gallery


However, on the night of 2nd May 1998, Kevin's life would change forever.

Whilst on a night out with a friend in London, Kevin witnessed an assault taking place on a young lady in a doorway by two men. Kevin and his friend intervened, but were set upon by a larger group of men. Having been punched and kicked to the floor, Kevin was restrained by three men, who then proceeded to drive their fingers into Kevin's eye's. Little did he know at that moment, but he would lose his sight completely in less than 8 hours. Whilst driving home the next morning, Kevin sneezed and his world went black. Having been taken to London's world famous Moorefield's Eye Hospital, it was quickly determined that Kevin's eyes had hemorrhaged, causing extensive damage to both his retina's, lenses and his left Cornea. Following nine operations in seven months, Kevin only managed to regain 6% vision in one eye. Kevin was registered blind in December 1998 and was discharged from the Army in April 2000.

Due to the stress of losing his sight, career, independence and self esteem, Kevin suffered with deep depression from 1998 until 2001, where his life would eventually take another amazing turn. Having been put in touch with a charity that cared for blinded ex servicemen (St. Dunstans), Kevin started to rebuild his life following an intensive rehabilitation course run by the charity, at their national centre in Brighton.

Having regained his confidence and self motivation, Kevin attended a ski trip with the charity in January 2003, Although Kevin struggled at first to ski with his disability, he was determined that his disability was not going to beat him. Having been encouraged by other charity members and staff, Kevin continued to not only improve his skiing, but would eventually out-ski his guides on a regular basis on even the most challenging of runs. His new found enthusiasm for skiing led him to attend trials for the British Adaptive Ski Team, where he was selected to join the team's Development Squad in May 2005, and give him the opportunity of representing Great Britain in all four alpine events.

But in January 2005, Kevin had set his sights on creating a new world record for Blind Speed Skiing. This would not only prove to be a true test of his skiing ability and determination, but would prove his true commitment in achieving his ambitions.

On 14thApril 2006, Kevin achieved his aim of creating a new world record for Blind Speed Skiing. Setting a speed of 162.45 Kph (100.94 Mph), Kevin's record was officiated by both the sports governing body The FSV (Federation Ski De Vittesse) as well as Guinness world Records, who created a new category for the sport.

Kevin's efforts have not only earned him the respect and admiration from skiers all over the world, but has now also earned him a place on the Great Britain Speed Skiing team and plans to race professionally from November 2006.
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