Crain News Service report
LEAMINGTON SPA, England (Aug. 21, 2013) — There was an unexpected bonus when a Warwick paralympian inquired about a set of Bridgestone winter tires for her vehicle.
The tire maker has joined the group of sponsors backing the athlete's bid to compete in the Winter Paralympics next year in Sochi, Russia.
Anna Turney, 34, said she hopes to represent Great Britain in a number of alpine skiing events at Sochi.
"I needed some winter tires at the start of the year," she said, "and with Bridgestone being so local, I made an inquiry. Before we knew it, we were talking about my plans for the Winter Paralympics, so I'm glad I got in touch."
Ms. Turney suffered a spinal injury while snowboarding in 2006. She said she "became paralyzed doing snowsports and I suppose I will always be nervous, but I decided a long time ago that being nervous is a good thing. I came sixth at the Vancouver Games in 2010 and that was an amazing experience.
"I would be delighted to do well in Russia. Winning a medal would be my absolute dream, although the team has not yet been selected and we can't qualify until August."
The course in Russia "is very tough," Ms. Turney said. "It is steep and really 'high risk,' but I think I will take more educated risks than I did before and plan what I want to do a bit better."
Ms. Turney is undertaking a strength and fitness indoor program ahead of next year's Winter Paralympics, with training in Austria and New Zealand to follow later in the year.
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This report appeared on the website of European Rubber Journal, a London-based sister publication of Tire Business.