Alpine Skiing
Violinist Mae ready to swap Stradivarius for skis
SHE’S a violin prodigy who has sold ten million albums – now Vanessa Mae is dreaming of Olympic success.
AMBITIOUS: Violinist Vanessa Mae wants to enter skiing events at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi
But it’s not a starring role in the London 2012 opening ceremony she is eyeing but the chance to represent Thailand as a downhill skier at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Mae, who was born in Singapore, raised in London but has a Thai father has already approached the national Olympic committee in Bangkok.
“But it has been my dream, and I am hoping people will accept I just want to give it my best,” she told the Sunday Telegraph.
“To even get to the Olympics, I have to qualify for the 2013 World Championships and the standard is high.
“I know I am always going to be a few points behind the top guys. I am taking a plunge. I am British, but realistically there is no way I could represent my own country, but because my natural father is Thai, they have accepted me.”
Mae had previously stated her ambition to represent Thailand in ski events at the 2002 Winter Olympics, but Thai authorities requested that she give up her British passport first.
Later, bureaucratic barriers were overcome and she received a Thai passport while keeping her British one.
Field Challenge Roth 2025: From Champions to Olympians
Emma Pallant-Browne Announces Exciting Pregnancy News
Phil Smith Previews Milano Cortina 2026: What to Expect in One Year
Sochi 2014 Womens Ski Jumping Added 2014 Olympic Schedule
2025 IM Pro Series Launches with Ironman 70.3 Geelong
Vincent Luis Set for Long Distance Debut at Challenge Roth
Tynan Determined Reach London 2012 Memory Her Late Mother
Introducing Triathlon Ireland’s Innovative Athlete Rankings System
London 2012 Team Gb Football Teams Could Be Repeated Rio And Beyond
Henri Schoeman’s Exciting Long Distance Debut at Challenge Roth
Feed
Sam Laidlow Faces Training Challenges as Recovery Continues
Englands Best Ready Nationals
Xterra 2025 World Cup: Explore the Exciting 11-Race Circuit
February Highlights: ParalympicsGB’s Journey and Achievements
Marten van Riel Shines Among Elite at T100 Singapore
Olympics London 2012 Shattered Campbell Delighted With Bronze
Ultimate Showdown: Top Three Women’s Tennis Stars Face Off at T100 Singapore
Ouseph Bids Put London 2012 Behind Him
Olympic Champion James Targets 2010 Rowing Comeback
PTO Moves Spanish T100 Race from Ibiza to Valencia
London 2012 Team Gb Kit Looks A Little Familiar Does It Look Better
London 2012 Lords Set Reap Benefits Olympic Archery
London 2012 Team Gb Mascot Pride Looks Deliver Cuddly Cash Boost
Bt Sponsor Paralympic World Cup
OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: Evans eyes Glasgow 2014 after Olympic exit
THE BEST OF 2009: Rio triumphs in 2016 Olympic race
OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: Long-term development key for Smith ahead of Games
Beijing heroes – where are they now?
Smith only British weightlifter to hit top level Olympic selection standard
Paralympic Athletes Shine in Impressive Season Opener
Dubai 2025 Grand Prix: Key Athletes to Watch and Viewing Guide
New Delhi Welcomes 2025 Para Athletics World Championships
WPA Seeks Expressions of Interest for 2027 Athletics World Championships and U20 Event
Iranian Athlete Mostafa Marian Banned for Three Years Over Doping Violation
PARALYMPICS LONDON 2012: British team upbeat despite missing target of second place on medal table
Bethell Secures Place in Semi-Finals with Outstanding Performance
Jurgen Klopp’s Surreal Experience at Opening Match
Daniel Bethell Aims for Gold in Paris with Family’s Backing
Historic ParalympicsGB Badminton Squad Unveiled for Paris 2024
THE BEST OF 2010: Simon Vallily announces himself on Commonwealth Games stage
Coombs and Bethell Advance to Badminton Finals in Thrilling Showdown
Former heavyweight champion Haye meets fans at Vauxhall gym
OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: Brave Joshua strikes back for gold
Former heavyweight boxing champion David Haye meets fans at Vauxhall gym
OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: Relaxed Daley ready for final focus
COMMONWEALTH GAMES: Boxing sees controversy – and the birth of a monster
Regretful Aldridge ponders the errors of his Beijing bust-up
EYOF 2011: Britain find their Knight in shining armour in the pool
