The coach of a Macclesfield alpine skier has praised his former student, as she became Britain's most decorated Winter Paralympian of all time.

Macclesfield's Menna Fitzpatrick ends the Beijing Games with her sixth Winter Paralympic medal, more than any other Brit.

As reported on Macclesfield Nub News, Menna earned the 'most decorated' Brit title in China last Monday.

Her incredible journey that started from being talented spotted at home in the North-West aged just 12.

David Chugg was Fitzpatrick's first ever coach, and the one who identified her limitless potentially when she first took part on the snow all those years ago.

Having set up the entire Disability SnowSports UK pathway and worked with Menna as he progressed through the ranks, he has watched with pride as the skier landed a Super-G silver and a Super combined bronze in Beijing.

Visually-impaired Menna was victorious in the medals alongside guide Gary Smith.

Those two medals, coupled with the one gold, two silvers and one bronze she won in Pyeongchang in 2018, have officially made her ParalympicsGB's most successful Winter athlete.

Reflecting back on Fitzpatrick's journey into professional skiing, which began at Chill Factore in Manchester where David initially identified her, he believes coaching and support systems is vital to developing the newest young stars from local talent to world-class competitors:

"The most important thing is for people to enjoy sport recreationally," he said.

"That is what enthuses them to pursue racing and keep that enthusiasm going over time, and coaching has a big hand in that.

"For me, coaching remains the most enjoyable part of being involved in Britain's disability ski programme."

"Menna first came with her mum guiding her at a talent ID session, and it was clear immediately she came with the right mentality.

"In some ways she 'outgrew' her mum as a guide such was her talent, and it was for us to work out quickly how best to nurture her.

"She had an absolutely infectious smile, she was always so happy to be training.

"The one thing I can say I am truly proud of, is starting the development programme through Disability Snowsports UK.

"Medal success breeds more success, and to see Menna do so well will without doubt inspire the next generation.

"I am very proud to have worked with her, to have been part of her journey, and these are the stories that will inspire those from her local area to realise what possibilities are there for them."

Becoming Britain's most successful Winter Paralympian at aged just 23 cements Fitzpatrick's place as a true Paralympic legend, but the support along the way from coaches and beyond has set the framework to reach her potential.

Starting her journey with David, she has also been enabled to train full-time and have access to the world's best coaches thanks to National Lottery funding.

Watching her succeed at yet another Winter Games, David also believes Fitzpatrick's medal haul can inspire more people onto the snow:

"I would urge anyone to get involved," he added.

"We want to see more coaches and we want to see more participants because it builds communities, and it allows people to be more active.

"My role, and the role others who coach is to support people the best way we know how – at every level, coaches can make all the difference."

Menna Fitzpatrick is visually impaired having only 5% vision. She has no sight in her left eye, and limited in her right.

She studied Media Production at the Macclesfield College from 2014 to 2016.

Rachel Kay, CEO and Principal of Macclesfield College since 2015 (when Menna attended) was full of praise for the record-breaker.

"Myself and everyone here at Macclesfield College are delighted to hear that Menna has won both a bronze and silver medal in skiing at this year's Winter Paralympics and becoming Team GB's most decorated Winter Paralympian," Rachel said"

"The College is so proud and wishes Menna every success for future events."

The four-foot-nine skier can be followed on Instagram.

Macclesfield: If you are inspired to get into sports coaching, please visit this webpage for support and resources to start your coaching journey.

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