Hester Poole, an 18-year-old visually impaired para-alpine skier from Bath, has experienced an extraordinary fortnight: receiving a Paralympic call-up for Milano Cortina 2026 and an offer to study English Literature at the University of Cambridge.
Poole’s selection to represent ParalympicsGB came just three weeks before the Winter Paralympics Opening Ceremony, a thrilling surprise after months of intense training and competition on the World Cup circuit. This followed closely after she secured her place at Cambridge, balancing A-level revision and university applications alongside her demanding athletic schedule.
“I’ve always had the audacity to dream big,” Poole said. “From the age of eight, I decided I was going to go to Cambridge. Being a bit of a weirdo helped me keep that dream alive alongside my skiing ambitions. It’s incredible to see both dreams come together.”
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Despite challenges juggling academics and high-performance sport, Poole credits the unwavering support of her teachers and family for helping her persist. “They accepted my half-finished essays when I was training or competing. Every athlete knows how tough it is to balance schoolwork and sport,” she reflected.
Poole’s journey to elite para-alpine skiing began early. Born with a congenital retinal condition causing gaps in her vision, she developed remarkable resilience and determination. Inspired by Kelly Gallagher, Britain’s first Paralympic alpine skiing gold medallist, and now her coach, Poole has steadily progressed since joining GB’s radar at age 12.
Guided by Ali Hall, her sighted skiing partner and fellow university student, Poole will make her Paralympic debut on the slopes of Cortina D’Ampezzo. Beyond sport, she serves as an ambassador for Guide Dogs for the Blind and Ethiopia Aid, championing opportunities for those with sight loss and promoting empowerment through education.
“It’s about giving people choice and the knowledge they can shape their own lives,” Poole said. “Academics has always been my gateway, and I see sport in the same light. I want others to know they can achieve what they set their minds to.”
Looking ahead to the Paralympics, Poole plans to embrace the experience without pressure. “When I expect too much of myself, I tend to stumble. So my goal is to enjoy the races and make solid runs representing my country. Plus, I get to miss an A-Level mock!” she joked.
Hester Poole’s story is a powerful testament to dreaming big, resilience, and the balance between academic ambition and sporting excellence.