[Archive 2012-12-10] Wikinews interviews Australian blind Paralympic skier Melissa Perrine

Historical archive — originally published 2012-12-10. This report records what was known on that date. It is not current news; subsequent events may have changed the situation. Wikinews closed in May 2026.

Vail, Colorado, United States — Yesterday, Wikinews sat down with Australian blind Paralympic skier Melissa Perrine who was participating in a national team training camp in Vail, Colorado.

((Wikinews)) This is Melissa Perrine. And are you like Jess Gallagher and just here training and not competing?

((WN)) Why a male guide? He's got to have different skis, and he can't turn exactly the same way.

MP: I think that with me it was just that Andy was the fittest person that was with the team when I came along. He used to be an assistant coach with the team before I started with him.

MP: No, not at all. (laughs) Older brother maybe. Good relationship though. We get along really well.

MP: Oh yes. It's really good. It's enjoyable. It's a challenge. I love the sport, I love the atmosphere.

((WN)) I've asked the standing skiers, who's the craziest Paralympic skiers? Is it the ones who are on the sit skis, the blind ones or the ones missing limbs?

MP: I probably think it's the sit skiers who are a bit nuts. I think we all think the other categories are a bit mental. I wouldn't jump on a sit ski and go down the course. Or put the blindfold on and do the same thing.

MP: Oh God, I hope not. No, I'm pretty stable so I don't envision getting much blinder than I am now unless something goes wrong.

((WN)) Do you like the media attention you've gotten? Do you wish there was more for yourself and winter sports, or of women athletes in general?

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